§ MR. MALCOLM (Suffolk, Stowmarket)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir George Bonham, late British Minister at Belgrade, remains at the Servian capital in a representative or a private capacity; whether the British Legation and Consulates in Servia retain their extra-territorial privileges; and to whom for the time being the protection of British subjects resident in Servia is entrusted.
§ LORD CRANBORNEThe formal official functions of Sir George Bonham as His Majesty's Representative at the Servian Court are suspended. He remains for the present at Belgrade as the unofficial Agent of His Majesty's Government. It has been usual to recognise the right of a Legation to retain the customary extra-territorial and diplomatic privileges in spite of a temporary suspension of the Minister's official functions. British Consular officers in Servia do not enjoy extra-territorial privileges, but in accordance with usage the only British Consular Officer in the country will continue to exercise his Consular functions. The protection of British subjects continues to be entrusted to His Majesty's Legation which is authorised to make such unofficial communications to the de facto authorities as may be necessary for that purpose.
§ MR. MALCOLMMay I ask whether there is at the present time a Servian Minister accredited to the Court of St. James in London?
§ LORD CRANBORNENo, Sir. His functions lapsed with the death of King Alexander, just as Sir G. Bonham's lapsed at the same time.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can undertake that before diplomatic relations are formally renewed with Servia His Majesty's Government will convey to the Servian Government an expression of the feeling of this country at the recent murders, and a demand that those guilty should be brought to justice.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.It would evidently be impossible to make any remonstrance or representation to the Servian Government until diplomatic relations are renewed. There appears to be a fundamental contradiction inherent in the suggestion of the hon. Member. As was stated by the Foreign Secretary, I may remind him that Sir G. Bonham will not be at Belgrade at the time when the new Government is inaugurated.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether His Majesty's Government is in agreement with the attitude of Russia in this matter?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI do not think anything is gained by putting or answering such a question. We have taken up our own line in the matter.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDMight I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can say whether His Majesty's Government have intimated in any way that they consider that the people guilty of these murders should be punished?
§ *MR. SPEAKERThat is the precise Question on the Paper which has been answered.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDA very proper question!
§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)Will His Majesty's Consul be at Belgrade in order to protect British subjects if any occasion should arise?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Vice-Consul will be there.