§ Colonel GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he was aware that there is no British representative resident in Montenegro at the present time, although the other Powers are represented; that this was the case also in 1908, when Bosnia and Herzegovina were annexed by Austria; that on that occasion a special envoy was sent in a hurry after the event had taken place in order that British interests might be protected; whether his attention had been called to the fact that no consular report has been issued on Montenegro since 1898, although there is now a railway there and trade is being developed; and would he explain what are the reasons for this neglect of a foreign State which owes it present position largely to British assistance in the past?
§ Sir E. GREYThere was formerly a permanent British Representative at Cettinje, but recently a Chargé d'Affaires has only been sent there intermittently. Now that the principality of Montenegro has been erected into a kingdom, the question of re-establishing the permanent appointment is under consideration.
§ Colonel GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENMay I ask whether, in view of the present critical state of affairs in the Balkans, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that Great Britain is represented there immediately?
§ Sir E. GREYWe cannot appoint a permanent representative immediately, but I think it exceedingly probable that it will be done soon. With regard to getting information with respect to present political matters, of course we do receive such information as is required.