HC Deb 24 August 1886 vol 308 cc377-8
MR. BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he can give the House any further in- formation as to the course of affairs in Bulgaria?

MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)

asked whether Her Majesty's Government are in possession of any information, beyond that which has appeared in the public prints, which they can give the House regarding the recent events in Bulgaria?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)

Her Majesty's Government are not in possession of much more information than has been furnished by the newspapers. Direct communication with (Sofia is at present interrupted. They have, however, a report despatched by the Acting Agent and Consul General stating that at 3 on Saturday morning a detachment of Infantry surrounded the Palace and secured the person of Prince Alexander, who is said to have signed an abdication. His Highness was taken to the War Office, and at 5 o'clock was conveyed under a guard to an unknown destination and a Provisional Government formed. Her Majesty's Government are watching the course of events in Bulgaria with very great anxiety. At present I think it best to confine my statement to facts of which we have authentic knowledge.

DR. TANNER (Cork Co. Mid)

asked whether it was true that one of the Great Powers had been active in promoting the success of the policy undertaken in Bulgaria, and what steps Her Majesty's Government proposed to take in the matter?

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

This Question was put into my hands as I entered the House, and I think I should be guilty of great levity if I gave any answer to it.