HC Deb 22 March 1881 vol 259 c1658
MR. MONTAGUE GUEST

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether on consideration Her Majesty's Government has seen any reason to sanction a departure from the agreement entered into by the French and English Governments that the Enfida case at Tunis "should be dealt with by the local tribunals under whose jurisdiction the matter properly comes;" whether his attention has been drawn to a telegram from Tunis in the "Standard," announcing the arrival of Commodore Brinckes with two French frigates and a corvette, in addition to the "Jeanne d'Arc," which has been stationed there some time, besides the French despatch boat "Cassard;" if he will state what definite decision has been arrived at regarding the disposal of this case; and, whether Her Majesty's Government will now lay the Papers regarding this matter upon the Table of the House?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, the case is still under the consideration of Her Majesty's Government; but no final decision hag been come to. Mr. Reade was called upon to furnish further information, and he has already forwarded it by post. A telegram has been to-day received from Lord Lyons reporting that he had been assured by the French Government that the telegram in question is unfounded, but that provisions had been sent to the iron-clads permanently stationed at Tunis in a small vessel which leaves again to-day.