HC Deb 27 November 1893 vol 18 cc1791-2
MR. E. J. C. MORTON (Devonport)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of Slate for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a letter published in The Times newspaper on the 21st of this month, purporting to be written by Lord Charles Beresford, in which it is strongly urged that Great Britain should buy or enter into treaty with the Turkish Government for the Island of Lemnos, or some such Island possessing a good harbour, at the east end of the Mediterranean; and whether Her Majesty's Government have any intention of carrying out that suggestion?

* THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. GREY,) Northumberland, Berwick

I am not surprised at the question of my hon. Friend, but I need hardly assure him that no such step has been contemplated by Her Majesty's Government. Any proposal for the acquisition of Lemnos would raise grave questions, not merely as regards the Ottoman Empire, but with the Great Powers of Europe.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Has the hon. Baronet any information as to the report of the cession by France to Russia of Ajaccio for naval purposes?

* SIR E. GREY

No, Sir; but if the hon. Member wishes it he can put the question on the Paper.