§ MR. BAINBRIDGE (Lincolnshire, Gainsborough)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the statement reported to have been made by Li Hung Chang to the effect that the lives of the Ambassadors in Peking would probably be sacrificed if the allied Powers advanced into that city, it is proposed to make any communication to the effect that he will be held personally responsible for their safety.
§ MR. BRODRICKHer Majesty's Government have informed the Chinese Government that they will be held to be personally guilty if the members of the European Legations and other foreigners in Peking suffer injury. They do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by making a further communication of the character proposed.
§ Sir E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTWill the right hon. Gentleman say to whom the statement has been made? He said "the Chinese Government."
MR. PRITCHARD-MORGAN (Merthyr Tydvil)Have the Government received any confirmation of the statement made by Li Hung Chang on Saturday last that all foreigners had left Peking for Tientsin under escort on the 2nd inst. If that statement is found to be correct, will the allied forces return to Tientsin pending the arrival of the Europeans at that port?
§ MR. BRODRICKNo, Sir; we have no confirmation of the statement.