HC Deb 19 July 1883 vol 281 cc1889-90
MR. R. N. FOWLER

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true that the vessels of the Euphrates and Tigris Steamship Company have been prevented plying on the Tigris in violation of the Treaty?

MR. ARTHUR ARNOLD

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the protest by Her Majesty's Government in consequence of the "Khalifeh" and "Medjidieh" not being permitted by the Turkish Government to land their upward cargo and parcel mails at Bagdad, has produced any result; and, if not, whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to take other steps for the protection of British and Asiatic trade by way of the Tigris and Euphrates?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I propose, Sir, to answer this Question and that of my hon. Friend the Member for Salford at the same time. It is true, as I stated on Friday last, that the vessels of the Tigris and Euphrates Steamship Company have been prevented plying on the Tigris. Strong representations have been made to the Sublime Porte, and an answer is shortly expected, upon the character of which the further action of Her Majesty's Government must depend.