HC Deb 30 January 1902 vol 101 cc1322-3
MR. GIBSON BOWLES

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, has His Majesty's Government made any agreement in writing with the German Government having reference to the concession or construction of the railway through Anatolia by Bagdad to the Persian Gulf; if so, what is the date of such agreement, and when will it be laid before Parliament.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The answer is in the negative.

MR. HORNER (Lambeth, N.)

Seeing the importance of communication with India, I should like to ask my right hon. friend whether he will give any information as to any alternative railway through Russia, which would be far shorter and more direct?

MR A. J. BALFOUR

I can give my hon. friend no information in reference to the very large subject he has opened out.