§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Sir H. Drummond Wolff is still in Constantinople; and, if so, how long it is intended that he shall remain there waiting the ratification of the Convention by the Ottoman Government?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)His Imperial Majesty was unable to receive Sir H. Drummond Wolff previous to his intended departure last week from Constantinople, and named Friday, the 15th, for his final audience. It is not intended that Sir H. Drummond Wolff's departure shall be delayed longer.
§ MR. BRYCEMy right hon. Friend says "it is not intended;" I must ask him, whether the House is to understand that Friday next will finally and positively terminate the unparalleled and undignified position in which Her Majesty's Government have placed this country?
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONNo, Sir; I cannot give any such positive undertaking; but I can undertake to say that when the House is fully in possession of what has taken place, as it will be in a few days, by the Papers being placed in the hands of hon. Members, they will not be of opinion that either the dignity or the interests of this country have been compromised in any way.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)Can the right hon. Gentleman state what Sir H. Drummond Wolff is doing now?
§ [No reply.]