HC Deb 09 May 1881 vol 261 cc34-5
SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true that the French Ambassador at Constantinople has protested against the despatch of Turkish ships to Tunis, and has stated that French ships will fire upon such ships if they are despatched?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

No information has reached Her Majesty's Government of the reported despatch of the Turkish Fleet to Tunis and the protest of the French Government; but an incident of this nature occurred in 1836. A similar threat was made by France in 1841, M. Guizot stating that the French Admiral had orders to turn back the Turkish Squadron, which it was rumoured was about to visit Tunis, by remonstrance if he could, but by force if necessary; and in 1864 Her Majesty's Government were informed that France would still oppose the presence of the Turkish Fleet in Tunisian waters.

MR. OTWAY

asked the hon. Baronet, whether he would complete his answer by stating what the answer of Lord Palmerston's Government was in 1864?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

There was no answer whatever, Sir.

MR. OTWAY

would like to know, if the hon. Baronet would be so good as to allow the despatches to be laid on the Table?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

said, there were 15 volumes of these despatches from 1838 to 1864. On the occasion referred to, there was no direct communication made by the British Government with regard to the action of the French. The British Government was informed of it; but no request was made for an answer, and no answer was given.

MR. MONTAGUE GUEST

I should like to ask the hon. Baronet, whether, in his opinion, the French Government are justified in following the precedent of 1836?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

I can only reply, in the words of the Government on a former occasion—it is never the custom of the Government to give answers to hypothetical Questions.

MR. OTWAY

gave Notice that he would ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, If he would allow despatches to be placed on the Table which should show whether in 1864 the British fleet was moved from Malta to the port of Tunis?