HC Deb 09 November 1882 vol 274 cc1116-7
LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he will state to the House the date of the first representation made by the English Government to the Government of Spain, with respect to the kidnapping of the Cuban Refugees, and if he will state the general purport of that representation?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

The date of the telegram to Sir R. Morier giving the substance of an answer in the House was October 30. It was received the same evening late, and communicated privately to the Spanish Government early the next day. On November 4 Sir R. Morier was further instructed on the subject; but until we receive the Report of the inquiry at Gibraltar, it is difficult for him to approach the Spanish Government.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

Are we to understand that the Government took no notice of this matter until a Question was put on the subject in the House of Commons?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

In one sense the English Government feels itself unable even now to take any notice of the matter, not having received any reply. They cannot take official notice of it until they do.