§ MR. C. M. PALMERasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he can give any further information as to the state and prospect of release of the crew of the Nisero?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICESir, I regret to say that the mission of the agent, whom I informed the House on a previous occasion had been sent by the Governor of the Straits Settlements to endeavour to obtain the release of the crew of the Nisero, has failed owing to the Rajah of Tenom having raised his claims, to which the Netherlands authorities declined to accede. A telegram to this effect has been received from the captain of Her Majesty's ship Pegasus, who accompanied the agent, Mr. Maxwell. Immediately on receipt of this information on the 18th ultimo, Her Majesty's Government entered into further communication with the Netherlands Government with a view to further measures being taken.
§ In reply to a further Question by Mr. C. M. PALMER,
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEsaid, that communications were taking place with a view to some plan which might bring about the deliverance of 1799 the crew. But it would not conduce to the attainment of the object in view to enter into details.