§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of Russia pressed the candidature of Prince George of Greece upon the Sultan for the Governorship of Crete without first consulting the other European Powers; and whether it is a fact that the Governments of England and France are supporting the Czar in forcing Prince George's candidature upon Turkey?
MR. CURZONThe Russian Government informed the other Powers of their disposition to view favourably the candidature of Prince George before recommending the Sultan to propose him. It is true that the Governments of Great Britain and France have supported the idea of Prince George's candidature, but Her Majesty's Government are not aware that any attempt has been made by the Emperor of Russia to force that candidature upon Turkey.