§ MR. JOSEPH WALTON (Yorkshire,. W.R., Barnsley)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information in regard to the reported seizure by Russia of land at Tientsin which is mortgaged to British bondholders.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, EalingI have little to add to my answer of the 15th March on this subject,* pending a settlement of the immediate difference by the military authorities on the spot. Sentries on both sides remain in their previous positions, with strict orders not to assume the aggressive. No disturbance is anticipated.
§ MR. JOSEPH WALTONMay I ask whether negotiations are proceeding, between the British and the Russian Governments with regard to this matter?.
§ LORD G. HAMILTONI must ask for notice of that question.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House the correct version of the incident arising from the dispute as to the railway siding at Tientsin, and especially whether the British officer in command has received, instructions from His Ma-
* See page 72.405 jesty's Government, or from His Majesty's Minister at Peking, not to resist the seizure by Russian troops of the land necessary for the railway siding.
§ LORD G. HAMILTONNo instructions of the character suggested have been issued.