HC Deb 06 May 1901 vol 93 cc748-9
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can say what is the present position in reference to Manchuria; and whether any steps are to be taken in reference to the continued occupation of that territory.

*VISCOUNT CRANBORNE

The Russian Government have not, we understand, receded from their intention to evacuate Manchuria; but on the abandonment of the negotiations with China for a gradual evacuation of that province, they declared that the temporary occupation of Manchuria must continue for the present, and that its complete and definitive restoration to China could only take place on the re-establishment of a normal state of affairs, and of a Government capable of affording Russia a guarantee against the renewal of the late disorders.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Hear, hear! Egypt over again.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Will you ask Russia to evacuate Manchuria when you evacuate Egypt?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Is it the fact that the Chinese Government have made representations to the European Governments with reference to the opening up of Manchuria?

*ME. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.

MR. FLAVIN

Will the Government take steps to force the Russians out of Manchuria?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!