§ MR. STOREYasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he can explain how it is that the crew of the Nisero, being in a state of destitution on the 31st March, the Pegasus did not sail with food until the 1st May; and, whether, since the men have now been captives nearly six months, and negotiations ineffective, the Government will take steps to secure their release by force?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEAs stated in a previous answer, a letter to Mr. Maxwell, dated the 10th of March, from the chief officer, Mr. Crichton, gave a list of the provisions received by the crew, and stated that they were all well in health. There was no reason, therefore, to apprehend that they would be short of provisions on the 81st of March. This announcement reached the Foreign Office on April 26. Telegraphic instructions were immediately sent to the Acting Governor of the Straits Settlements to make every effort to convey provisions to the crew, and the Pegasus left on the 1st of May with supplies for three months. It will be seen, therefore, that there has been no delay. As regards the second Ques- 1322 tion, Her Majesty's Government are waiting the reply of the Netherlands Government to their offer of mediation.
§ MR. STOREYasked the noble Lord whether, as the men were in want of food on the 31st of March, and the news did not reach the Foreign Office until the 26th of April, there had not been neglect on the part of some official?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI do not understand that there has been any charge of neglect against any officer there; but I shall be glad to give any further information desired if my hon. Friend will ask me on Notice. My impression is that, considering the difficulty of communication in these parts, there has been no neglect of duty whatever.