§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether any official Correspondence exists which shows that the deposition of the Ex-Khedive Ismail emanated from a Continental Power; and, whether he will lay any Correspondence not already published upon the Table, in accordance with the usage that no Correspondence can be referred to by a Minister without laying the Papers upon the Table of the House?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)In my observations the other evening on the deposition of the Ex-Khedive Ismail, I was speaking from my recollection of what I thought was a historical fact. I did not quote from, nor had I read, any official Papers on the subject which have not been laid upon the Table of this House.
§ In further reply to Dr. CLARK,
§ MR. GOSCHENsaid, it would be found, if the hon. Member would inquire, that the German Government took a very strong attitude and issued a very significant protest, as follows:—
That the Imperial Government looks upon the Decree of the 22nd of April, by which the Egyptian Government, at its own will, regulates the matters relating to the Debt, thereby abolishing existing and recognized rights, as an open and direct violation of the International engagements contracted at the institution of the judicial reform; that it must declare the Decree to be devoid of any legally binding effect in regard to the competency of the mixed Courts of Justice and the rights of the subjects of the Empire, and must hold the Viceroy responsible 1363 for all consequences of his unlawful proceedings.This communication was communicated to all the Powers. The Viceroy frequently broke his solemn engagements without any serious consequences; but the first occasion on which Germany protested against such a breach was soon followed by his deposition, though he would not say whether it was post hoc or propter hoc. It was Germany which took the action which culminated in the deposition of the Viceroy.