HC Deb 19 May 1884 vol 288 cc670-2
SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, considering the grave consequences that might ensue from allowing other matters to be discussed by the Conference, he will now state to the House that the Government will not go beyond that which they have publicly stated as the object of the Conference, namely, the Law of Liquidation?

MR. GLADSTONE

The House having a knowledge of the basis of the Conference, I can state to the House that we adhere to that basis without any change. The Question of the hon. and gallant Baronet has more or loss reference to another subject relating to Egypt, which has, I think, been mentioned in this House and "elsewhere." France has offered and has asked for explanations bearing upon our position in Egypt and an exchange of views which both Governments alike desire. After reciprocally communicating their views they will consult the other Powers, and we shall then at the earliest moment make known to Parliament our proceedings in this matter.

SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

I beg to ask whether we shall he made acquainted with these communications with the French Government before the Conference meets?

MR. GLADSTONE

They do not relate to the same subject-matter as the Conference, and I cannot give any positive intimation as to time with respect to these communications, because they have not concluded, and it is not for me to say how many days they may occupy, or whether they may occupy a week or more.

SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that these communications, or the result of them, will be laid before the other Powers. I think they should previously receive some kind of sanction from Parliament.

MR. BOURKE

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the subject of these communications with France is not to be laid before the Conference?

MR. GLADSTONE

I really am a little surprised at the Question, because I have already stated we do adhere to the basis of the Conference, and I apprehend it would not be according to rule to lay Papers before a Conference unless they relate to the subject of the Conference.

MR. E. STANHOPE

Will the proceedings of the Conference be in any way dependent on the communications with France on other subjects?

MR. GLADSTONE

The hon. Gentleman asks me to describe what may or may not take place in the minds of other Powers, and that I cannot undertake to do. All I can say is, that I do not anticipate anything of the kind, and that no Power in accepting the Conference has made any condition precedent to accepting it.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether the negotiations now going on between Her Majesty's Government and the French Government do, directly or indirectly, in any degree recognize the principle of the Dual Control?

MR. GLADSTONE

That would be entering into the heart of the matter of these communications. I am afraid I must ask the noble Lord to ascertain the views of the French Government, and compare them with the views of the English Government before I can give an answer to his Question.