§ MR. W. THORNE (West Ham, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the approaching Royal visit to the Czar of Russia has any official or diplomatic significance; if it is intended to manifest an alliance between the Governments of Russia and that of Great Britain; and if an official visit from the Czar is expected in return.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe visit to Reval will be an official visit paid by the King to the Emperor of Russia, as has been paid previously to other Sovereigns or Heads of States. The relations between the two Governments are those manifested by the Convention, which has been laid before the House. No new Convention or Treaty is under discussion between the two Governments, nor is it intended to initiate any negotiations for one during the visit. I have no further information whatever with regard to the last part of the Question.
§ MR. BYLES (Salford, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, is the forthcoming visit of His Majesty to the Czar of Russia to be of a private nature only, or will it have any attributes of an official or representative character implying national recognition of the Czar's Government.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe visit will, I trust, contribute to good relations between the Governments and peoples of both countries, but I cannot give any better definition than is given in the reply to the previous Question.