§ MR. GRIFFITH- BOSCAWEN (Kent, Tunbridge)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the Foreign Office, has any information as to the alleged landing of a Russian force at Chemulpo, in Korea, and whether it is true that this force has marched up to Seoul, and that the King of Korea is at present at the Russian Legation? Whether British, American, and French forces have been landed and have proceeded to Seoul? And, whether the Russian Minister has stated that the King of Korea asked for Russian protection in consequence of recent disturbances at Seoul; and, if not, what was the occasion for the landing of their forces?
MR. CURZONHer Majesty's Consul-General at Seoul has reported that 100 sailors were landed at Chemulpo from a Russian man-of-war and proceeded to Seoul on the 10th, and that the King of Korea took refuge in the Russian Legation on the 11th. A British guard was subsequently landed at the request of the Consul-General for the protection of the British Legation. We have no information of any American or French forces having been landed. We have heard that the reason given by the King for his action was the political situation in Seoul and the consequent danger to himself and family.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESCan the right hon. Gentleman say what the number of the British guard is, how long the Russian occupation is expected to last, and whether any communication has been made to the Russian Government with respect to it?
MR. CURZONI have no information as to the number of the British guard, but, if the hon. Gentleman desires, I will obtain it for him. I cannot answer as to the duration of the Russian occupation, because I see no reason to believe that it is an occupation, and, so far as I know, no representation has been addressed to the Russian Government on the matter.
§ MR. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is true that the King of Korea asked for Russian protection?
MR. CURZONI presume it is so far true that the King of Korea asked for the protection and refuge of the Russian Legation in Seoul. Beyond that I have no information.