HC Deb 11 August 1884 vol 292 cc445-6
SIR ROBERT PEEL

I wish to ask the Prime Minister the following Question of which I have not been able to give him private Notice, but which I dare say he can answer now—namely, Whether it is a fact, as stated by Reuter's Agency, that the British Ambassador to Italy has been instructed to thank the Italian Government officially for the support which the British proposals received from the Italian delegate at the late Conference, and to declare that The British Government highly appreciate the attitude of Italy at the Conference as indicating an enlightened solicitude for the prosperity of Egypt.

MR. GLADSTONE

The Question might be answered in general terms from my own recollection; but as the Question is rather particular in its terms, perhaps my right hon. Friend will put it on the Paper, and either my noble Friend (Lord Edmond Fitzmaurice) or myself will answer it to-morrow.

SIR ROBERT PEEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer it in general terms?

MR. GLADSTONE

I think it would be much better if the right hon. Gentleman put the Question on the Paper tomorrow.

LORD JOHN MANNERS

May I ask whether communications to the same effect have been addressed to the Sublime Porte?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I shall answer both Questions to-morrow.

SIR ROBERT PEEL

As this matter affects the discussion that is about to take place, I would ask the Prime Minister whether he cannot now state whether such a Vote of Thanks has been passed to the Italian Government?

MR. GLADSTONE

If this Question was so material to this discussion I am surprised that the right hon. Baronet did not give Notice of it on a former day. Unfortunately, I do not carry in my mind with accuracy all the despatches written in the Foreign Office, though I am generally cognizant of them. I do not want to give an incorrect account of what has been done. I may, however, say that the acknowledgment conveyed to the Government of Italy was in general terms, and not in those quoted by the right hon. Baronet. A communication was also made to the Porte; but I cannot trust my memory as to the precise words in which it was couched.

MR. BOURKE

I wish to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he cannot send to the Foreign Office in order to allow the despatch to be produced before the debate closes?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Sir, the Prime Minister has stated that communications substantially of the character indicated by the right hon. Gentleman have been made. It seems to me that the right hon. Gentleman ought to be satisfied; but I will send to the Foreign Office if he really wishes for the document to be produced.