§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russian 1397 Government is converting the southern half of the harbour of Talienwan into a fortified naval base, unopened to foreign ships of commerce?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI have already answered that.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI wish to ask the right honourable Gentleman whether he will be so good as to make inquiry of Her Majesty's representative at Pekin as early as possible, so that, in view of the coming Debate, the House may have full information on these important questions, especially in regard to Talienwan?
THE FTRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI do not know that our representative at Pekin has any means of obtaining information. We have no Consul at Talienwan. I can only say that there were actually in existence certain fortifications at Talienwan.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTAre we to understand that there has been any change in the pledges of Russia with respect to Talienwan being an open port, because, of course, a fortified naval base is a very different thing from an open port?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYThe House has all the information with regard to the intentions of Russia that is in the possession of Her Majesty's Government. I certainly should not, without consideration, commit myself to the proposition that the fortification of any part of Talienwan prevents it being an open port.