§ MR. LAMBERTI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any assurances have been received by the Russian Government as to the maintenance of Newchwang as an open port for commerce; if so, upon what authority such assurances have been given; and whether the Government recognise the authority of Russia to give assurance as to trade facilities in a port that is within the Empire of China.
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACH (for Lord CRANBORNE)The Russian Government have declared that the rights of foreigners in the open port of Newchwang remain inviolable. As the Russian Military Forces are in temporary occupation of the port, such an assurance may well be given by the Russian Government.