§ MR. M'COANasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government recognise the existence of a state of war between France and China; and, if so, whether our duties of neutrality will be strictly observed towards both belligerents, including the closure of British ports and coaling stations in the Eastern Seas to their respective transports and men-of-war?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEIt is not in my power to make, at present, airy addition to my statement on this subject of the 28th ultimo, as the reply to the communication, which I informed the House had been addressed to the French Government, was only received yesterday, and is being considered. Meanwhile, the provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act are being strictly enforced against both France and China.