§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Italian Government have occupied Massowah by Treaty or arrangement with Her Majesty's Ministers; whether the Italian Government propose to occupy Kassala and the fertile province of Taka; and, whether the assent of the Sultan, who is Sovereign of Egypt, has been given to this occupation of Ottoman territory?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe Italian Government have concluded no Treaty or arrangement with Her Majesty's Ministers with regard to the occupation of Massowah. Her Majesty's Government have no information as to the intentions of the Italian Government with regard to Kassala and the Province of Taka; and they have reason to believe that the Sultan has not assented to the occupation of Massowah.
§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTAs the Government have not assented or made any arrangement with regard to the occupation of Massowah, may I ask the noble Lord whether Her Majesty's Government will exercise influence with The Daily News and other Liberal journals to prevent them from instigating Italy to occupy Massowah?
§ [No reply.]