§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N.W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to secure protection for the lives and property of British subjects during the present disturbances in Hayti.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY, Northumberland, Berwick)His Majesty's Consul-General in Hayti has reported that a revolution had broken out at Aux Cayes on the southern coast of the Republic, but he has not intimated that there is any danger to British subjects or interests, nor has he asked for the presence of a man-of-war. No steps have, therefore, been taken for the moment to send one. His Majesty's ship "Scylla" is due to visit Port-au-Prince in the ordinary course on December 9th, and unless something unforeseen occurs, it does not seem necessary to anticipate that date.
§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any information as to whether any of the Powers are sending or have sent ships for the protection of their subjects?
§ SIB EDWARD GREYI have rot Board of ships a being sent by other Powers.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St. Andrews Burghs)Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision as a precautionary measure?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYPerhaps the hon. Member will give me information which will at least show that it is desirable to take any exceptional steps in the present circumstances.