§ MR. CREMER (Shoreditch, Haggerston)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the numerous 122 statements which have appeared in the Press, concerning the excited state of public opinion in Portugal, and the hostility displayed towards British subjects resident there; whether the Government have any evidence as to the causes of the excitement and hostility; what is the nature of the relations at present existing between this country and Portugal; if the Government have received any request from the Government of Portugal that the questions in dispute shall be referred to the mediation of a friendly Power, or submitted to arbitration; and, whether the Government are willing, or have considered the advisability of submitting the differences of this country and an ancient ally to such friendly and peaceful settlement?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONHer Majesty's Government are aware that popular feeling in Portugal has been greatly stirred by the late difference between the Governments of the two countries. I believe that the facts as they will appear in the Papers presented to Parliament yesterday will largely dispel the misapprehension from which that feeling arises. The relations between the two Governments are friendly. The Portuguese Government has suggested a reference of the matters in dispute to arbitration, but Her Majesty's Government consider the case inapplicable to that process.
§ MR. CREMERArising out of that answer may I ask when the Papers referred to will be in the hands of the Members of this House?
§ SIR. J. FERGUSSONI was informed that they would be in the hands of hon. Members to-day, and I hope they will be.