§ MR. VICARY GIBBS (Herts, St. Albans)(for Mr. BANBURY, Camberwell, Peckham): I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if proper steps are being taken to protect the interests of British subjects at Rio at the present critical juncture; and, if so, what steps; and whether the mail steamers are allowed to leave as usual with letters, &c.?
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the hon. Gentleman whether he can give the House information as to the state of affairs at Rio de Janeiro, and as to what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to protect British interests there?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. GREY,) Northumberland, BerwickThere is nothing to add to what was stated in the House yesterday. There can be no doubt that British interests are being protected as far as it is possible to do so by Her Majesty's Minister, the Vice Consul, and the Commanders of Her Majesty's ships on the spot. Mr. Wyndham reported by telegraph on the 10th instant that mails and passengers on British vessels would be embarked and disembarked by Her Majesty's ships. I can give no information as to the motives of the revolutionists or as to the definite progress of the revolution.