MR. R. G. WEBSTERI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of our important interests in Hong Kong, commercial and otherwise, and the recent action of Foreign Powers in regard to China, steps will be taken to acquire the islands contiguous to that Colony, and any further portion of the mainland opposite if needful for the defence of that British Colony?
MR. CURZONThe question of the steps to be taken for the proper securing of our possessions at Hong Kong have for some time past engaged the attention of Her Majesty's Government, and will not be lost sight of by them.