§ MR. COHEN (Islington, E.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have received any intelligence from Rio to the effect that the protection of the British Flag has been withdrawn from lighters engaged in landing goods at Rio from British vessels; and, if so, whether he can state the reasons which have prompted the withdrawal of this protection?
§ SIR E. GREYThe latest information received from the British Senior Naval Officer at Rio de Janeiro is to the effect that the Custom House is closed and trade at a standstill. The reports have been received either from him or from Her Majesty's Minister at Rio implying that Her Majesty's Squadron there has ceased to protect British shipping or lighters engaged in landing British goods. Inquiry has been made by telegraph as to whether there is any foundation for the report.