§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what source His Majesty's Government look for payment of compensation to British subjects who have suffered loss through the bombardment of Casa Blanca in August last; whether the Moorish Government will be in a position to find the money, or will the State Bank of Morocco be asked to advance the amount; and. if so, on what security.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY,) Northumberland, BerwickNo decision has yet been arrived at as regards the actual arrangements for the payment of the sums that may be awarded as compensation to those who suffered loss in the bombardment of Casa Blanca. This question is closely related to the general question of Moorish indebtedness, and it is impossible during the present state of affairs in Morocco to state what the final arrangements will be.
§ MR. ASHLEYMay we assume that they will get compensation of some sort?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYWe are most anxious to procure a satisfactory settlement, but every country which has commercial relations with Morocco must be suffering more or less from similar circumstances.