§ MR. STOREYasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has any certain information as to the condition of the crew of the Nisero later than up to the 31 st of March; whether it is not possible to arrange for news from the men of the Nisero at reasonable intervals, so as to relieve the dreadful suspense into which the families are now plunged; and, whether the Dutch Government have taked any practical steps to secure the release of the men of the Nisero since the failure of their ex- 816 pedition in January; and, if so, what steps?
§ MR. BROGDENinquired whether there was not reason to believe that the repeated inquiries for information in this House as to the safety of the crew of the Nisero were not in a very short time communicated through Penang to the Rajah of Tenom, increasing the difficulties both of the Dutch and English Governments, and being calculated to enhance the dangers of the captive crew?
§ MR. STOREYIn regard to the Question just put, would the noble Lord state, if it is so very easy for the Rajah of Tenom to receive news of what passes in this House, why was it so difficult to obtain news from the Rajah?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEIn answer to the first Question of the hon. Member, I will say that there is no information later than that contained in the telegram from the Commander of the Pegasus of May 20, which will be found at page 8 of the recent Blue Book. A letter was received by Her Majesty's Consul at Olehleh, from Mr. Crichton, late chief officer of the Nisero, dated April 26, complaining of the bad quality of the food supplied to the crew by the Rajah; but this was anterior in date to the delivery of the further supplies of food to them through the Pegasus. There are difficulties in the way of communicating with the coast of Tonom, owing to the difficulty of landing during the southwest monsoon; but every endeavour will be made to do so as frequently as possible, and arrangements are being made with the Colonial Office and the Admiralty for that purpose. In answer to the Question of the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Brogden), I say that it is no doubt true that it is probable that the Rajah of Tenom has means of knowing what passes hero in regard to this subject; and as to the danger to the men, no doubt premature threats would increase their risk. I may point out to the hon. Member for Sunderland that information is conveyed to the Rajah by his friends across the Strait; but we have no similar means of obtaining information from him. In answer to the third Question of the hon. Member, I understand that an extra credit of £125,000 has been proposed in the Netherlands Chamber for the purpose of strengthening the Dutch Naval Forces in Acheen, and enabling the authorities 817 in Acheen to undertake further military operations, should all other means of effecting the release of the crew fail.
§ MR. STOREYI wish to know whether it is not correct that the Dutch Government have been attempting to get these people out by employing Acheenese who are unfriendly to the Rajah; also, whether Mr. Maxwell has not informed the Government that the Dutch are going to do so, and that he had little faith in the success of such efforts, which he thought were calculated to endanger the lives of the captives? I wish to know whether Her Majesty's Government have made any protest against this action?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe course adopted by Her Majesty's Government is set out in the despatches contained in the Blue Books. I may, perhaps, point out that as Her Majesty's Government throws the whole responsibility, as it is entitled to do, upon the Dutch Government in regard to the position of these persons, who are upon Dutch territory, it would be exceedingly difficult for Her Majesty's Government to object too strongly in regard to those measures which the Dutch Government, on full consideration, think to be the only means of extricating the captives. Nevertheless, communications have passed in regard to these steps; and, so far as I understand the information which has reached Her Majesty's Government, the £125,000 is not intended to be used with regard to the measures alluded to by the hon. Member in regard to pressure on the neighbouring Chiefs.
§ MR. STOREYasked how it was proposed to spend this money? In other words, was it proposed that the Dutch should send another expedition?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe Dutch Government has not actually settled the details of the measures to be taken; but Her Majesty's Minister at The Hague has been informed that details will be left very much to the advisers, civil and military, of the Dutch Government on the spot; and I think that, on the whole, is wiser and simpler.