§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is a fact that a large number of Chinese peasants have been killed by Russian soldiers near Talienwan for refusing to pay taxes to Russian collectors; by what right, international or treaty, Russian officers exercise such powers in Chinese territory; and whether the Chinese Government have protested against such action; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government will support their protest?
§ MR. BRODRICKThe powers of the Russian authorities in the districts leased to them in China are detailed in an agreement between Russia and China, which is among the papers shortly to be laid before Parliament. The agreement contemplates the government of the district being entrusted to Russian officials, and it is for the Chinese Government to take action if such powers are exceeded. I fear that as to the facts of this case I can add nothing to the information already given.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTThe right honourable Gentleman has not answered the last paragraph of this Question, and I must ask him to reply to it.
§ MR. BRODRICKI am not aware whether the Chinese Government have yet taken action with regard to these powers.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI should like to ask the right honourable Gentleman whether, if the Chinese Government do make this protest, Her Majesty's Government will support them?