§ MR. H. H. MARKS (Kent, Thanet)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the explanation offered by the Chinese Government in regard to the Imperial edict placing the maritime customs under the control of a Chinese administrator is regarded by His Majesty's Government as adequate; and whether a request has been made for further and more definite assurances.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR.FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY, Northumberland, Berwick)I have nothing to add to the answer given on the 22nd instant.† We have asked for 1416 more definite, assurances: the reply has not yet been received.