§ LORD CLAUD HAMILTONasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, before the despatch of the Italian Expedition to Massowah, any communication on the subject was made to Her Majesty's Government by the Government of Italy; if so, whether any and what reply was made by Her Majesty's Government to the Italian Government; and, whether any communication or Correspondence has taken place on the subject between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of any other European Power or Powers?
MR. GLADSTONEI do not think there is much to add to what has been already stated on this subject. It was announced last night in this House, and by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs "elsewhere," that communications had taken place between the Italian Government and Her Majesty's Government on the subject to which the noble Lord refers. That is quite understood, and I made an answer to the same effect myself. There have also been communications from the Porte and other Powers to Her Majesty's Government on the same subject. The substance of these communications has been given; but a further statement will be made this evening more conveniently than I can make it now, by my noble Friend the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The Papers will also be presented to Parliament.