§ Mr. KINGasked whether Mr. Bryce has been granted leave of absence from the Embassy at Washington; whether he has left the United States; and, if so, whether any date can be given when he will return to his duties?
§ Sir E. GREYMr. Bryce is visiting Australia and New Zealand, on leave of absence at his own request for the holiday that is due to him. He will return to Washington about the beginning of September to resume his work as Ambassador.
§ Sir E. GREYI have said that he returns to do his work as Ambassador at the beginning of September. As to my own personal opinion as to the value of his work, I would refer my hon. Friend to what I said last night.
§ Sir E. GREYHe can spend his holiday as he pleases. Beyond his going to Australia and New Zealand, I have not inquired as to what will be his movements.
Mr. W. REDMONDIs it a fact that Mr. Bryce is at the present time on the high seas, and that he has no opportunity of seeing the charges made against him, much less of replying to them, and in these circumstances is it really fair play to attack a man behind his back?
§ Sir E. GREYI said last night, whether Mr. Bryce is on the high seas or not, I would deprecate most strongly attacks being made upon him or upon any other Ambassador. I hope, if the question which was discussed last night is made the subject of criticism again, that the criticism will be directed against His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. MACMASTERSo it was.
§ Sir E. GREYNot entirely. The speech to which I was replying last night deliberately suggested the recall of Mr. Bryce.
§ Mr. MACMASTERThe speech to which I was referring was the speech of the right hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe are getting a long way from the question on the Paper.