MR. CURZON (Lancashire, Southport)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the statements of Her Majesty's Government that the evacuation by the French troops of Chantabun, in Siam, might be expected as soon as the trial of the alleged author of M. Grosgurin's death was completed, and in view of the fact that that trial has now been concluded and the accused person sentenced, the evacuation of Chantabun, in accordance with the assurance of the French Government, may now be expected; and whether he can now lay upon the Table the long-promised Papers relating to Siam?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. GREY,) Northumberland, BerwickThe French Government have not yet announced how soon Chantabun will be evacuated. The Papers are being got ready for publication, and will be issued directly they are ready.
MR. CURZONThat reply does not give the information I want. What I wish to know is, whether it is not a fact that the hon. Gentleman has frequently stated in this House, and the Prime Minister in the other House, that the sole remaining condition upon which the evacuation by the French troops at Chantabun can take place is contingent on the completion of the trial of the alleged author of M. Grosgurin's death? The condition being now fulfilled, I wish to know whether Her Majesty's Government has addressed, or proposed to address, any communication to the French 167 Government reminding them of their repeated assurances on this matter?
§ SIR E. GREYI am not in a position to make any further statement as to the communications between Her Majesty's Government and the French Government on this subject. The Papers, which will place the House in possession of the communications, will, I hope, be ready in a fortnight at most, when the question can be discussed at greater length and with more advantage.
§ SIR E. GREYYes; what passed in regard to the blockade will be given.