§ MR. LABOUCHEREasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether his attention has been called to a Renter's telegram from Sistova, published yesterday, in which Prince Alexander is reported to have said, in addressing the Diplomatic Body accredited to Bulgaria, "I thank you for the lively sympathy you have displayed towards me during the Crisis;" whether Mr. Lascelles, Her Majesty's Representative in Bulgaria, did display "lively sympathy" with the Prince in his endeavours to replace the Constitution by seven years of personal power; and, whether, if he did not do so, or if he did so without instructions, Her Majesty's Government will take steps to acquaint the Prince as to the views of the Government in regard to his recent proceedings?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, I have seen the telegram to which my hon. Friend refers. Mr. Lascelles has not, as far as I am aware, displayed lively sympathy with the recent proceedings of the Prince. The action of Her Majesty's Government and of Mr. Lascelles will be shown by the Papers which will be presented to the House as soon as a full report of the last proceedings has been received and considered. Any further communications to Prince Alexander will be in favour of His Highness exercising with moderation and liberality the powers which have been intrusted to him by the Assembly.
MR. J. COWENasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether it was to be understood from the answer that he had given to the hon. Member for Northampton that Her Majesty's Government approved or disapproved of the action taken by the Prince of Bulgaria in suspending the Constitution and establishing personal rule, and whether the intimation that had been served on him meant that if he did not conduct the affairs of his State with their approval, they would withdraw Her Majesty's Representative?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, Her Majesty's Government have not been called upon to express, as to the main portion of the action of the Prince, either approval or disapproval. They expressed their opinion with regard to the constitution of the Military Courts in Bulgaria, and their general attitude will be seen by the Paper, which will almost immediately be laid upon the Table.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORasked the hon. Baronet whether the Prince had given orders for the opening of letters addressed to private individuals?
§ [No answer was given to this Question.]