§ Mr. DILLONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would communicate to the House any reports from British agents or information from any quarter calculated to convey the impression that the Europeans in Fez were in danger before the French Government commenced preparations for an advance on Fez?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. Grey)I do not propose to lay any papers about Morocco, as no action on the part of His Majesty's Government has been required.
§ Mr. DILLONasked whether the French Government have made any communication to His Majesty's Government indicating for what period it is proposed to continue the occupation of Fez by French troops, or any statement of the purposes for which Fez has been occupied?
§ Sir E. GREYThe declared object of the French Government was to safeguard the lives of the Europeans at Fez, to uphold the sovereignty of the Sultan and the integrity of his dominions, and to assure freedom of commerce, which depends on the maintenance of order and security. The instructions to the French Commander-in-Chief were to the effect that lie was not to remain at Fez longer than was strictly necessary.
§ Mr. DILLONasked the number of European civilians who were in Fez when the French expedition was decided on?
§ Sir E. GREYI am not in possession of the information desired by the hon. Member. I know only the number of British subjects.
§ Mr. DILLONCan the right hon. Gentleman state the number of British subjects?
§ Sir E. GREYIt has already been stated in the House. I think it was nine, but I am not quite sure.