§ MR. RUSTONasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he can inform the House why the Agreement between the Great Powers of Europe for the purpose of guaranteeing a loan of nine millions sterling has not yet been completed; which of the Powers have at the present date failed to ratify the Agreement; what is the cause of the delay in obtaining such ratification; is it the fact that very grave inconvenience is caused to the Egyptian Treasury, and much suffering to those entitled to receive the Alexandrian indemnities in consequence of the non-completion of the said Agreement; and, will he use his best endeavours to secure the early completion of the Agreement in order that the loan contemplated by it may be obtained.
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. BOURKE)The best endeavours of Her Majesty's Government are being directed to procure the early issue of the loan; but I do not think it would be desirable to enter into details with respect to pending negotiations.