HC Deb 18 July 1907 vol 178 cc914-5
MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement with regard to the British subjects kept in a state of servitude in the Galapagos Islands.

SIR EDWARD GREY

It has been found impracticable for His Majesty's Consul at Guayaquil to go in person to the Galapagos Islands, owing to the considerable time necessary for the journey He has been instructed, therefore, to send a trustworthy agent to the islands, with power to bring away all those who wish to leave. Some time must elapse, however, before the result of his mission is known, as no ship leaves for the islands till the beginning of August and the journey there and back takes about five weeks.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Have the instructions been sent by cable?

SIR EDWARD GREY

Yes, Sir.