MR. C. BECKETT-DENISONasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What steps are being taken under the ninth clause of the Treaty of Berlin to rase the Fortresses of Bulgaria, especially those of Rustchuk and Varna, and if any pressure is being exercised by the Great Powers to have this important article of the Treaty carried out within a reasonable period?
§ MR. BOURKEThe last Report received from Her Majesty's Consul at Rustchuk stated that already a large portion of the masonry of the fortifications had been removed for the purpose of paving the streets. I believe the earthworks still remain there. We have not any Report from the Consul at Varna with respect to those works and the Article of the Treaty mentioned by the hon. Member; but we hope it will not be necessary for the Powers to exercise any pressure upon Bulgaria with a view to fulfilling the obligation mentioned by my hon. Friend.