HC Deb 11 May 1910 vol 17 c787
Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

I have to inform the House that the following message of condolence has been received from the Russian Douma.

"St. Petersburg,

"9th May.

"To the Speaker, Parliament, House of Commons, London.

"The Douma of the Empire at its sitting of the 26th April (9th May) has charged me with the duty of interpreting to you the sentiments of profound condolence and of sorrowful sympathy which it experiences on the occasion of the decease of His Majesty King Edward VII. The mourning of your country has found a unanimous echo in the representatives of the Russian nation, which loses in the person of the late King a near relative of the Imperial family of Russia, a sure friend and constant well-wisher, a monarch devoted to the maintenance of universal peace. Please convey to the House of Commons the expression of the Sentiments which animate the Douma of the Empire, as well as the profound assurance which it feels that the bonds of friendship between our two countries, which received so powerful an impulse from the great Sovereign who has passed away, will not cease to be developed and strengthened for the greatest good of both nations.

"ALEXANDER GOUTCHKOFF,

"President of the Douma of the Empire."

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

I am sure it is the desire of the House that a suitable reply be sent.