§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked the Under Secretary of 1702 State for Foreign Affairs, If French troops continue in occupation of the New Hebrides, until an understanding as to the future has been arrived at with Her Majesty's Government; and, having regard to the protracted character of the negotiations, if it is possible to fix the term of such occupation?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)Her Majesty's Government have not acquiesced in the presence of French troops in the New Hebrides. It is impossible for Her Majesty's Government to fix a term for the French occupation; first, because to do so would involve acquiescence in the meantime, and also because they are unwilling to believe that a state of things so inconvenient will be long continued.