§ MR. DILLONI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Minister at Pekin is pressing the claims of Italy on the Chinese Government?
§ MR. BRODRICKHer Majesty's Minister at Pekin was instructed on the 25th February to support diplomatically the Italian request for a coaling station off the coast of Chekiang, and for a sphere of influence over the eastern slope of the province towards the sea. The Italian Government have in the last few days withdrawn their representative and requested the British Minister to represent them temporarily. No action has since been taken.