§ Mr. REESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether British-owned steamers working the Tigris between Bagdad and Busrah had recently been attacked by Arabs from the banks, so that the service had necessarily been suspended; and, if so, whether he would make representations to the Porte in order that the Walis of Bagdad and Busrah might be called upon to preserve order in their respective pashaliks?
320 In asking the question the hon. Member said: So much has happened since I put this on the paper that I can scarcely expect a reply.
§ The UNDER SECRETARY Of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)Information has been received that lawlessness has been increasing in the district between Bagdad and Busrah, and the postal service between those two towns has been interrupted as a result of disturbances among the Arab tribes. British-owned steamers on the Tigris have been attacked by Arabs. Representations have been made to the Porte from time to time with a view to the re-establishment of order, and the Vali of Busrah was recently dismissed. His Majesty's ship "Sphinx" is now at Busrah.