§ LORD C. BERESFORD (York)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long the claims of a British firm respecting the sinking of the s.s. "Kowshing" has been decided in their favour as against the Chinese Government; whether the British Government have pressed their claim; and whether there appears any chance of a satisfactory settlement of the question?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. ST. JOHN BRODRICK, Surrey, Guildford)Her Majesty's Government have been pressing this claim on the Chinese Government for more than two years. In November last arbitration was proposed to the Chinese Government, but up to now the Yamen have made no reply. If within a reasonable time no satisfactory answer is given, Her Majesty's Government will be forced to consider what further steps can be taken.
§ MR. M. DAVITT (Mayo, S.)Declare war.