HC Deb 01 March 1898 vol 54 cc293-4
SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russian Government, in giving their pledge as to open ports and free commerce in China, gave any undertaking that the commerce of Great Britain should have the same rights as Russian commerce in any Chinese territory that may fall under Russian occupation?

MR. CURZON

There has been no question of the occupation by Russia of Chinese territory, apart from a port, the conditions as to the opening of which have previously been given to the House; and no such undertaking as is mentioned in the Question has consequently been given.