HC Deb 15 March 1897 vol 47 cc672-3
MR. T. W. LEGH (Lancashire, Newton)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is in accordance with diplomatic usage for a foreign representative to take part in public meetings which involve discussion of the policy of the Government to which he is accredited?

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)

Before that Question is asked, Mr. Speaker, I wish to ask you, Sir, whether it is in order for the hon. Member to address a question which is intended to cast a serious reflection on the conduct of the representative of a friendly Power in this country. ["Hear, hear!"]

*MR. SPEAKER

I do not see anything out of order in the question.

*THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. GEORGE CURZON,) Lancashire, Southport

The presence of a foreign representative on such occasions is unusual and scarcely decorous. But no positive rule against it is known to exist, provided the representative does not actively interfere in a manner affecting the internal politics of the country.

MR. LEGH

Is it not the fact that the Government of the United States ordered Lord Sackville to leave Washington because he was alleged to have interfered—

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! That does not arise out of the Question.

MR. FLYNN

Who is to be the judge of the decorum of such proceedings? [Opposition cheers.]

MR. F. S. STEVENSON (Suffolk, Eye)

Is it not within the absolute right of a foreign representative to be present at a public meeting if he previously receives the permission of his Government to do so?

*MR. CURZON

That is a matter which affects the relations of the Minister in question with his own Government. It has nothing to do with me.

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