§ MR. DIXON-HARTLANDasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If his attention has been called to the article in The National with regard to the recent Treaty of Tien-Tsin, in which it is stated that the French
Do not plume themselves on an exaggerated Liberalism in tariff matters; and, though they will not shut out Foreign trade from their new markets, yet they will make it pay its share of the expenses of the conquest and occupation;whether the freedom of commerce in the provinces of Southern China will, in future, be hampered by prohibitive duties, and henceforth dependent on the goodwill of France; whether China has infringed the letter of her engagements with other Powers by her concession of exclusive rights to France; and, whether he will take any steps, and, if so, what, to prevent the destruction of British interests?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe questions alluded to by the hon. Member are engaging the serious attention of Her Majesty's Government; but it would be premature for them to express any opinion at present, inasmuch as the Treaty of Commerce between France and China contemplated in Article 3 of the recent Treaty of Tien-Tsin has not yet been, concluded.