THE EARL OF BECTIVEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it has been reported to Her Majesty's Government that, in consequence of the pressure brought to bear upon him by M. Roustan, the Sheik-el-Islam, who originally put Mr. Levy in possession of the Enfida Estate, has declined to proceed any further in the matter, and has delegated the decision of the case to another Caid; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government are prepared to take any steps for the protection of the British interests involved?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, Her Majesty's Government have been informed that two edicts have been issued by the Bey of Tunis, the one prohibiting the Sheikh-el-Islam and Haafy Tribunal from adjudicating upon the Enfida case, and the other directing the Military Court to try and pronounce judgment upon the case. The matter has been referred for the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLBy whom were the edicts issued?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEBy the Bey of Tunis.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLWere they issued by direction of M. Roustan?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKENo; my information says by the Bey of Tunis simply.
THE EARL OF BECTIVEsaid, that the hon. Baronet had not given a direct answer to the question whether Her Majesty's Government were prepared to take any steps for the protection of British interests?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEsaid, he had stated that the subject had been referred to the Law Officers of the Crown, and until they had delivered their opinion Her Majesty's Government could not take any further steps in the matter.