MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, as representing the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether it has come to the knowledge of the Government if any special privileges have been accorded to Russia in Port Arthur; if so, what are they and whether they are likely to be of a permanent character?
MR. CURZON (who replied) saidWe have no knowledge of any special privileges having been accorded to Russia in Port Arthur. That she is negotiating with China for a lease of that port, and of Talienwan, has before been stated.