§ MR. FAITHFULL BEGGI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can conveniently state what are the conditions governing the issue of letters of introduction given by the Foreign Office to British subjects travelling abroad, introducing them to ambassadors and other British representatives in foreign countries, and further, what are the rules followed by such representatives in acting upon such letters of introduction by introducing such persons to foreign Governments, especially where such further introductions imply the use of British influence in favour of such persons in the granting of concessions; and especially whether, in such cases, the ambassador or other representative, before taking any such action, first satisfies himself as to the financial standing and responsibility of persons so introduced and recommended to foreign Governments by him.
§ MR. BRODRICKLetters of introduction to Her Majesty's representatives abroad are only granted in favour of persons either personally known to the Secretary of State or recommended by someone in whom he has confidence. No precise rules are laid down in regard to letters of introduction to govern the action of Her Majesty's representatives, which must depend on the particular circumstances of each case. Formal letters of introduction are supplemented by more detailed letters in cases in which it seems desirable.