MR. J. WALTONI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the French are parties to the Belgian Syndicate who have obtained a concession for the railway from Pekin to Han-kau, in the Yang-tsze Valley; whether he is prepared to state the terms of that concession; and whether that contract is in conformity with the assurances given by the Government of China in respect to the Yang-tsze Provinces?
MR. CURZONI have no information as to the extent to which any of the persons interested in the Belgian Syndicate are of French nationality. The concession as signed has not been published, and I am unable to state the precise terms of it.
MR. J. WALTONMay I ask whether, in view of the fact that the commercial interests of this country are so deeply involved in the question, the right honourable Gentleman will address a telegraphic communication to Pekin for information, and will convey that information to the House when he receives it?
MR. CURZONIt is quite unnecessary to send a telegraphic communication to Pekin on the subject, because Sir Claude MacDonald has not only general but special instructions to acquaint us of all he can learn on the matter.