§ Mr. COWANasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any reports from the British Minister at Tangier as to the ninety political prisoners detained in chains at Tetuan by order of Raisuli, and kept in a state of semi-starvation; and whether, if he has not already done so, he will now request His Majesty's representative at Tangier to use his influence to procure the release of these unfortunate victims?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but I will inquire whether there is any foundation for this report.
§ Sir E. GREYI have said that I have not yet heard, but that I will inquire whether there is any foundation for the report. Until I know what the facts are, I cannot say whether we will take any action?
§ Mr. COWANasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the atrocities recently perpetrated by the Sultan Mulai Hafid at Fez, and the fact that there are British subjects resident in that city, he will, in view of the probable early withdrawal of the French garrison, consider the desirability of appointing a qualified diplomatist to reside permanently at the Shereefian court to watch 135 British interests in the Moorish capital, and to act as a responsible adviser to the British Minister at Tangier?
§ Sir E. GREYThe duty of watching over British interests at Fez is most ably and efficiently discharged by His Majesty's Consul at that capital. There is no occasion whatever to make any change in that arrangement.
§ Mr. COWANCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether His Majesty's Consul at Fez has had any training in the Consular Service?
§ Sir E. GREYThe present Consul at Fez has been there for some time. I am quite satisfied that his knowledge of the local circumstances gives him special qualification to fill the post.
§ Mr. COWANasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the reasons which led to the resignation of the British director of the Morocco State Rank; and what is the reason for the delay in nominating a successor to that gentleman?
§ Sir E. GREYThe British director of the Morocco State Bank is not connected with His Majesty's Government, but I am informed that he has not resigned.