HC Deb 02 August 1887 vol 318 cc929-30
DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, "Whether his attention has been called to what purports to be an interview between Sir Henry Drummond "Wolff and a representative, of The Observer, published in that paper on the 31st ultimo, in which Sir Henry Drummond Wolff is represented as expressing the opinion that it is a very doubtful point whether the Sultan had a right to refuse to ratify the Egyptain Convention, and as alleging that he had every reason to believe that the Sultan's refusal to sign. the Convention was brought about by France and Russia; and, whether there is any foundation for the statement that Sir Henry Drummond Wolff granted the interview or made the statements alleged to a representative of The Observer; and, if so, whether there is any precedent for such a proceeding in the Diplomatic Service?

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

Sir Henry Drummond Wolff is not now employed in the Diplomatic Service, his appointment having been special and having terminated. The Secretary of State has not thought it necessary to ask Sir Henry Drummond Wolff whether he made the statements attributed to him. The Papers which are, or will be, immediately in the hands of Members will enable them to form their own opinions upon the points adverted to.

DR. CAMERON

Yes, Sir; but this statement having been made with reference to certain matters which occurred when Sir Henry Drummond Wolff was in the Diplomatic Service, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, in justice to the Government, he should ascertain whether the statements in The Observer are correct or not?

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

No, Sir. The Secretary of State has not thought it necessary to enter upon that.

MR. LABOUCHERE

I presume the Diplomatic Vote will not be proceeded with until these fresh Papers mentioned by the right hon. Baronet are before the House.

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

The last of the Papers on the subject will, I hope, be in the hands of hon. Members tomorrow.