§ MR. G. H. FABER (Boston)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how the case of the German steamer "Petartos," for which the Russian Government paid full compensation early last year, differs from that of the British steamers "Hipsang," "Ikhona," and others, for which in no single instance has any compensation been obtained up to the present time.
§ MR. J. A. PEASEIn the case of the "Tetartos" (not "Petartos") the Supreme Court of Appeal at St. Petersburg found that the steamer was not liable to confiscation, and that, as a consequence, the owners were entitled to compensation. The case of the "Hipsang" is still pending before the Court of Appeal. With regard to the "Ikhona," I would beg to refer to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Darlington on the 11th ultimo. The Supreme Court of Appeal found that the vessel was regularly detained, but should have been afterwards released, and that the appellants were entitled to recover compensation to the amount of the value of ship and cargo. The Supreme Court in its judgment not having gone into the question of amount, this has to be determined by the Port Court at Libau; who, it is understood, will consider the case in September next. The decision as regards the "Ikhona" is therefore substantially the same as in the case of the "Tetartos," though the proceedings have taken longer.