HC Deb 03 August 1898 vol 15 c1209
SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

I beg to ask whether it is true, as reported in a telegram in The Daily News, that the British cruiser Pallas and the gunboats Swift and Pigmy have gone outside the so-called blockade limits; and, if so, what British war vessel remains at Bangkok to protect British interests?

* SIR E. GREY

I cannot give any details as to the movements of these vessels. I have heard that the Swift was about to proceed on a cruise for the sake of the health of her crew, but I cannot say whether she has actually gone. All I can say is that no change has been made in the instructions originally sent, that sufficient gunboats were to be either on the spot or close to it to prevent any danger to British property at Bangkok.