HC Deb 25 February 1902 vol 103 cc1020-1
MR. HERBERT ROBERTS

I beg to. ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state whether the Government have any information as to the convention reported to have been made between Russia and Korea, by which the latter agrees not to lease or grant to any State, company, or individual the Island of Koje-do, the shore opposite, or any part of the coast thence to Chemulpho.

*SIR M. HICKS BEACH (for Lord CRANBORNE)

I have nothing to add to the answer given by the late Under Secretary on 21st May, 1900. As he then stated, it is understood that an agreement exists between Russia and Korea where-by the former undertakes never to apply, either for her own use or for that of Russian subjects, in connection with commercial or industrial undertakings, for any land on Koje-do or on the mainland opposite, extending as far as Masampo, or on any of the surrounding islands. The Korean Government on their part under-take not to allow any other Government to rent or purchase land in connection with commercial or industrial under-takings in the territory referred to.