HC Deb 14 February 1888 vol 322 c377
MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has seen the statement in The Neue Freie Presse of Vienna, that the Treaties which were signed last year between the Central European Powers— Are supplemented by special arrangements between Italy, Austria, and Great Britain, having for their object the defence of the Austrian and Italian coasts against a hostile Country; whether any arrangements of this nature, or of any other nature, in regard to the contingent defence by this country of the Italian coasts, or of the coasts of any other Continental European State, were a matter of diplomatic correspondence during last year; and, whether, if so, this resulted in any arrangement; and, whether, if there was any such diplomatic Correspondence, he will lay it upon the Table of the House, and the arrangement, if any, resulting there-from?

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

I have already stated to the hon. Member that we are under no engagements pledging the military—in which, of course, is included the naval— action of this country, except such as are already known to the House. In accordance with the uniform practice, I must decline to produce any Correspondence which has passed between this country and the various States of Europe in regard to the present condition of affairs.

MR. LABOUCHERE

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that no arrangement of any sort or kind has been entered into with Italy, whether pledging the Naval or Military Forces of this country or not?

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

I am not in a position to give any further answer.