HC Deb 22 July 1897 vol 51 cc723-4
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether protocols arc drawn up of the sittings of the Conference of Ambassadors now being held at Constantinople with reference to the conditions of peace between Greece and Turkey; and if not, whether any other means are being taken, and if so, what means, to secure a record of the proceedings of the Conference?

MR. CURZON

No actual procèsverbaux have been made of the conferences between the Ambassadors and the Turkish Foreign Minister, the Porte having originally been unwilling to acquiesce in such a proceeding. It has, however, subsequently been agreed that memoranda of the points discussed should be drawn up by one of the Ambassadors at the termination of the meetings for communication to the Turkish Foreign Minister, and the decisions arrived at are communicated to us by Her Majesty's Ambassador.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Which of the Admirals draws up this procès-verbal or minute?

MR. CURZON

I do not think any particular Admiral does it. The duty is undertaken by different Admirals at different meetings.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

But the right hon. Gentleman said that the documents were drawn up at the end of the meeting.

MR. CURZON

I said at the end of the meetings.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Oh, yes; certainly.