MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to the statement in The Times of Thursday, 7th December, to the effect that the Russian Government claim to exclude the European Commission of the Danube from exercising their jurisdiction over the Kilia arm and mouth of the Danube; whether there is any foundation for this statement; if so, whether Her Majesty's Government have taken any steps in reference thereto; and whether any correspondence has passed on the subject; and, if so, whether it will be laid on the Table of this House?
§ SIR E. GREYI have seen the statement referred to; it was to the effect that the Russian Government had now declared it to be indispensable that the Kilia mouth of the Danube should be made navigable. No intimation has been received from the Russian Government of any intention to carry out this work. As to the jurisdiction of the European Commission of the Danube, I must ask the hon. Member to refer to the Treaty of London, of March 10, 1883, especially to Articles III., IV., V., and VI., where he will find details with reference to the Kilia branch fully set out.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESDo I understand the hon. Baronet to suggest that the mouth of the Kilia is excluded from the jurisdiction of the Commission?
§ SIR E. GREYThis matter is governed by the provisions of the Treaty of London, 1883. They state the meaning very clearly, and I cannot add to the 1048 plainness of it. I must refer the hon. Member to the Treaty itself.
§ SIR E. GREYIf the hon. Member will refer to the Treaty, which was signed by six or seven of the great European Powers, he will get his answer from a far more authoritative source than I can be.