HC Deb 17 September 1886 vol 309 cc786-7
MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

asked the Under Secre- tary of State for Foreign Affairs a Question of which he had given him private Notice—namely, Whether the reports quoted in the English papers from French sources that England intends establishing a coaling station at Phasos, in the Ægean Sea, and collecting provisions there, and also contemplates the occupation of certain Islands in the Dardanelles, are true?

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

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for having given me this opportunity of saying that the only foundation upon which these reports rest is pure invention.