HC Deb 22 March 1894 vol 22 cc867-8
SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of Marshal Peixoto have given compensation for the deaths of the three British officers who were killed by the deliberate explosion of a magazine on Guberuador Island in November last?

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

The Brazilian Government have not given any compensation, but, as has already been explained, we have no evidence to show that the explosion was an act of deliberation.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Has the request for compensation been refused by the Brazilian Government?

SIR E. GREY

I stated on a previous occasion in this House that the question of compensation would have to be dealt with when the civil conflict in Brazil came to an end. The only addition I can make to it is that we have no evidence it was an act of deliberation.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Are the Government prepared to press this question of compensation?

SIR E. GREY

I have said the question of compensation is reserved to be dealt with when the present civil conflict comes to an end.

SIR; F. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Then it is not settled yet?

SIR E. GREY

No.