§ SIR ALBERT ROLLIT (Islington, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether any Russian occupation of Seoul, or any other place in Korea, has taken place, or is apprehended?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. GEORGE CURZON,) Lancashire, SouthportNo Russian occupation of Seoul or of any other place in Korea has occurred; or, so far as we are aware, is apprehended; 150 Russian sailors are guarding the Russian Legation in Seoul, where the king is still in refuge, his 1217 life being in danger from a rebellion which has broken out. There are also 500 Japanese soldiers in the capital.
§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, (1) whether he can now give the House any information as to the Russian occupation of Seoul, in Korea; and, (2) whether it is true that the Russian Naval forces in the Northern Pacific are being largely increased?
§ MR. CURZONI have already answered the first paragraph of the Question. It is believed that the Russian Squadron in Chinese waters has been increased by five vessels during the last year.
§ MR. CURZONMen-of-war. [Laugher.]
§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked, whether his right hon. Friend was aware that the Korean Ministry was now housed in the Russian Legation.
§ MR. CURZONI must have notice.