§ MR. MOONI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he had received any information from Peking as to the alleged irregular acquisition of land at Chefoo by Russians; and whether substantial barracks for Russian troops have been built at Chefoo, on the eastern side of the peninsula?
MR. CURZONThe only incident at Chefoo of which we have information is that which I described in an answer to the hon. Member on May 14th. We have hopes that a satisfactory settlement may be arrived at. We have not heard of any Russian barracks at Chefoo.
§ MR. MOONasked if the right hon. Gentleman would inquire into the last allegation. He had authority for it.
MR. CURZONNo, Sir. I am afraid we cannot add to the necessary labours of the Department by inquiring into every form of idle rumour. ["Hear, hear!"]