HC Deb 26 April 1883 vol 278 cc1159-60
MR. BOURKE

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether Tier Majesty's Government can give the House any information with respect to the Triple Convention lately made between Germany, Austria, and Italy?

Mm. GLADSTONE

Sir, I observe in the Question the right hon. Gentleman has used the words "Convention lately made between Germany, Austria, and Italy." We are not aware whether any instrument of the character of a Convention or Treaty exists. With respect, however, to the transaction which in some form has taken place, I do not think I can do more than refer the right hon. Gentleman to the explanation which has been given of its general character by the Austrian, Hungarian, and Italian Ministers in their respective Chambers.

MR. BOURKE

Does Her Majesty's Government know whether those explanations refer to the affairs of the East?

MR. GLADSTONE

I do not believe, so far as our knowledge goes, that there is any reference to any particular question or class of questions.