MR. GIBSON BOWLESMay I ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he has any information to communicate to the House with reference either to the seizure of British merchantmen by Russian men-of-war, or alleged men-of-war, or with regard to the alleged sinking of the "Knight Commander" on the high seas?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI suppose the first part of the Question refers to the case of the "Malacca" and of other ships taken in the Red Sea. I shall hope to make a brief statement on that subject to-morrow. In regard to the sinking of the "Knight Commander" in the Pacific, I regret to say that the information which reaches me this morning leaves very little doubt in my mind that that regrettable occurrence has taken place. There is no question of loss of life. I am afraid there is a question of breach of international law.