§ MR. SIDNEY BUXTONIt is obvious we cannot carry on this discussion by Question and Answer, and may perhaps return to it in Committee; meanwhile I beg to ask a Question on a different matter. Can the hon. Gentleman inform the House-he was unable to do so the other day—of the reasons which induced Sir C. Eliot to resign his position in East Africa, and whether Sir C. Eliot has asked 836 for an inquiry into the circumstances attending his resignation?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Government have nothing to conceal in this matter. No doubt it may be expedient to publish the correspondence, and if I do not now give a distinct pledge on the subject it is because, as I understand, Sir Charles is now on the high seas, and before publishing his correspondence I confess I should like to have, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs would like to have, an opportunity of consulting with Sir Charles Eliot. If, however, those who are interested take a different view, I have no objection.