MR. PARKER SMITH (Lanarkshire, Partick)I beg, in accordance with private notice, to ask the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the large number of British subjects at
† See page 373.546 Odessa, he can give the House any information as to the position of things there.
§ THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Earl PERCY,) Kensington, S.The only information we have received is from our Consul at Odessa to the effect that the battleship "Kniaz Potemkin" had arrived in port, that the crew had mutinied and murdered all the officers except three, that harangues were being made to the populace, and that shots were being exchanged between the people and the police; but he does not indicate that he apprehends any special danger to British subjects or property at Odessa.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESDoes the telegram indicate whether the battleship has or has not bombarded the town?
§ EARL PERCYIt indicates apprehension that a bombardment might take place, but not a bombardment.
§ SIR ALBERT ROLLIT (Islington, S.)May I ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether any precautionary measures are intended to be taken for the protection of British lives and shipping and other property in the Black Sea?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt seems difficult to see what precautions can be taken in regard to disorders taking place in a town not under British jurisdiction.