MR. JOSEPH COWENasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true that the French Minister resident at Tunis has, during eighteen months, arbitrarily prevented the construction of a Railway by an English Company, carrying on business in the Regency of Tunis, in conformity with the terms of a concession; and, whether the French Minister now 1351 offers to allow such construction, provided the said Company withdraws its claim for damages?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe incident to which the hon. Member refers arises out of a question in dispute between "the Franco-English Esparto Fibre Supply Company "and the French authorities in Tunis as to the meaning of the provision of the Company's concession relating to the construction of a railway. The French Minister in Tunis has offered to abandon his opposition to the proposed railway on condition that all claims for damages will be withdrawn; but the offer has been declined. Her Majesty's Government is in communication with the French Government on the case.