Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any report from the British Vice-Consul at Krasnoyarsk, in Siberia, or from any other source, as to the arrest and treatment of Captain R. F. Webster by the Russian authorities on his arrival at that town after making the voyage from Liverpool, through the Kara Sea, and sailing up the River Yenesei; whether any explanations have been received from the Russian Government; and whether, in view of the importance of opening up this new trade route by British enterprise, he will endeavour to secure the co-operation of the Russian Government with those who are undertaking the pioneer work?
§ Mr. ACLANDMy right hon. Friend has received a report from His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at St. Petersburg, from which it appears that Captain Webster was accused by the Russian authorities at Krasnoyarsk of selling a portion of his cargo on the way up the Yenesei, although he had given an understanding to the contrary. Captain Webster is now at St. Petersburg, and is in communication with His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires, who has recommended him to the Russian authorities. I understand that he has not as yet preferred any claim against the Russian Government.