MR. STAVELEY HILL (Staffordshire, Kingswinford)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position of the negotiations with the United States Government with reference to the claims made by the Victorian Sealers on account of the seizure of their vessels in the Behring Sea; what representations have been made to the Russian Government on account of the similar seizure of the Araunah; and whether it is intended to present to Parliament any Papers relating to these matters?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONAs I have already stated, it would not be convenient to make statements with respect to the negotiations concerning seal fishing in the Behring Sea. Representations with regard to the case of the Araunah have been made to the Russian Government. As the reply of that Government was not considered satisfactory, further information has been called for from Her Majesty's Ambassador at St. Petersburg. The case is not sufficiently advanced to make it desirable to lay Papers on the subject.
MR. S. HILLWhen may we expect any definite information upon the matter? The negotiations have now been going on for a long time.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONIt is quite true that the negotiations have been going on for a long time; but the hon. Member must remember that they have reference, so far as Russia is concerned, to transactions which have taken place at a very great distance, and reference has to be made to it by the Government at St. Petersburg.
MR. S. HILLMy question related more particularly to the United States, and New York is not so far from England.