§ DR. KENEALYasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether Her Majesty's Government has now any know-lodge of an understanding between Russia, Austria, and Germania, for an offensive and defensive alliance; and having also in view, or for one of its objects, the partition of the Ottoman Empire; and, whether he could without inconvenience to the public service communicate the views of Her Majesty's Government upon these matters to Parliament?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, Her Majesty's Government have no knowledge of any such understanding as is referred to by the hon. Gentleman. As regards one, at least, of the Powers, I have strong reasons for doubting whether such an understanding exists; but the negotiations of the next few months or weeks probably will show whether these Powers are acting in concert or separately.