§ MR. M'COANasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether his attention has been called to a correspondence in the "Daily News" of Saturday last, 1279 dated "Trebizond, March 18," which reports the expected imminence of a Russian invasion of Armenia; and, whether, in view of such a contingency, Her Majesty's Government regard the Treaty known as the Anglo-Turkish Convention as being still in force?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I read at the time it appeared the statement in The Daily News, which amounted, I think, simply to this, as the hon. Member has correctly quoted—that a report from a correspondent abroad stated that there was an expected imminence of a Russian invasion of Armenia. We have had no confirmation whatever of that intention, and the matter remains in a state of pure hypothesis. To discuss a question of such great importance, resting on a statement so hypothetical, would be contrary to the rules on which the Government act in all its Departments, and not, I think, be in conformity with the public interests.
§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether Her Majesty's Government have received any assurances from the Porto as to whether they will carry out such reforms in Armenia as will satisfy the people of that country?
MR. GLADSTONEI am much obliged to the hon. Member for calling my attention to this matter; but perhaps he will kindly give me a day or two's Notice before he puts the Question.