§ MR. COURTNEYasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the Russian Government has communicated to the signatory Powers of the Treaty of Paris individually the Treaty of San Stefano; whether it is admitted by the Russian Government that each Power represented at the proposed Conference or Congress may initiate a discussion on any Clause of the Treaty of San Stefano in its relation to the Treaty of Paris, and invite the opinion of the Conference or Congress on the point; and, whether Her Majesty's Government have stipulated that the Treaty of San Stefano shall be communicated to the Powers assembled collectively?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThe Russian Government has communicated to Her Majesty's Government, and, I believe, to the other signatory Powers of the Treaty of Paris, the text of the Treaty of San Stefano; and, I may add, that it will be laid upon the Table of the House to-night. With respect to a Question which has been asked, or Notice of which has been given, as to the maps, they also will be laid upon the Table; but I do not think they will be in the hands of hon. Members quite so soon. It is hoped, however, that they will be delivered to-morrow morning. With respect to the other Questions of the hon. Member, I hope that the hon. Member and the House will understand that I mean no kind of disrespect when I say that, relating as they do to matters of great importance, the communications as to which have not yet come to a close, I do not think it is expedient that I should answer them.
MR. GATHORNE HARDYWith respect to the maps referred to by my right hon. Friend, I may say that I gave directions that the large map should be marked with lines showing the boundaries contemplated by the Treaty of San Stefano, and that that has been done.