§ MR. J. G. TALBOT (Oxford University)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the statement of the Rev. W. J. Drought is correct that he has been summarily removed from his Chaplaincy in France, in consequence of his having taken part in an Address to members of the late Royal Family; and, whether Her Majesty's Government propose to address any remonstrance to the French Government on the subject?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSON (Dundee)said, that before the Question was answered he wished to know whether it was not the case that the address referred to described the Due d'Aumale as "His Royal Highness" and spoke of "His Royal House;" whether, as a matter of fact, the Due d'Aumale had not been expelled from France for disloyalty to his country; whether the Address expressed a hope for his restoration; and, whether Her Majesty's Government approved of British subjects taking part by means of such manifestoes against a friendly Government?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)The Rev. Mr. Drought's complaint was only received by the Secretary of State on Saturday last. It is receiving his attention; but some days at least must elapse before I shall be in a position to give a definite reply to the Question of my hon. Friend. In reply to the hon. Member for Dundee (Mr. E. Robertson), I would submit to him that it would be prudent not to enter into the details of the matter in present circumstances.