MR. PRITCHARD MORGAN (Merthyr Tydfil)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Chinese Government has refused to concede to the demands of the Italian Government for a sphere of influence with a lease of Sammun Bay as a Naval base, and that the Tsung-li-Tamen has received a note from the British Minister at Pekin supporting the demands of Italy; and whether the Liquin dues of the Province of Che-Kiang (in which Sammun is situated) have been pledged by the Chinese Government as security for the repayment of the loan for 16 millions sterling?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. ST. JOHN BRODRICK,) Surrey, GuildfordWe understand that the matter is still under the consideration of the Chinese Government. We have expressed our sympathy with the desire of Italy to obtain a coaling station, but have always recognised that it is one which it is for the Chinese Government to consider whether they shall accept or not. The Likin dues of a portion of the Province of Che-Kiang are understood to have been pledged to the bondholders, but, no doubt, in any arrangements made by the Chinese Government, these interests will be safeguarded.
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