HC Deb 16 July 1878 vol 241 cc1578-9
LORD ROBERT MONTAGU

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the Treaty of June 4th between England and the Porte and the Annex of July 1st are to be understood as giving to England the right to interfere in the relations of the Sultan with his subjects and in the internal administration of Cyprus and the continent of Asia; if so, whether that provision affects the Treaty of 1856, Articles vii. and ix.; whether the Treaty of June 4th is valid without the assent of the Powers who were parties to the Treaty of 1856; and, whether (in accordance with the rule laid down in the Protocol of January 17th 1871, and on January 14th 1878, and on March 9th 1878, and on April 1st 1878) the Anglo-Turkish Treaty of June 4th has received the assent of the Powers who were parties to the Treaty of 1856?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, this Question is one of a very argumentative character, and I do not think that it is possible to answer it fully without entering into argument. There is no doubt that the Treaty of the 4th of June gives to England a right beyond those which were given by the Treaty of 1856 with regard to the interference or interposition of this country in the internal relations of the Sultan with his subjects in a certain part of his dominions; but I do not think it would be possible or convenient for me to enter into any discussion on the subject.

LORD ROBERT MONTAGU

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the latter part of my Question, Whether the Treaty was submitted to the Powers who were parties to the Treaty of 1856?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHE-QUER

I think, when all the Papers are laid upon the Table, my noble Friend will see what has been done.

MR. DILLWYN

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the Turkish Government has entered into any engagement with this Country by which it binds itself to maintain an army to assist in the defence of the Asiatic Territories of the Porte; and, if so, of what number of men is such army to consist?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

There is no engagement.