HC Deb 07 July 1903 vol 124 c1531
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

I desire to ask a Question of which I have given private notice. Have the Government any information to the effect that Japan is mobilising her forces and that an outbreak of hostilities in the far East between that country and Russia is impending? Have the Government taken, or do they propose to take any steps to induce these two countries to resort for the settlement of the differences between them to the tribunal of The Hague, or do they propose in any other way to use their good offices to prevent hostilities? Can I, in the absence of the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, have an answer from my hon. and gallant friend, or from the Home Secretary?

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine's

As no notice has been given of the Question I cannot answer it.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

I beg your pardon, I gave notice to the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

*MR. AKERS DOUGLAS

But you did not give me any notice.