§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, having regard to the success of his representations to Turkey regarding the opening of the Dardanelles, he can make similar representations as to the unlit lights in the Red Sea?
§ Sir E. GREYI can hardly represent the two questions as being on the same footing; the extinction of four of the Red Sea lights is an inconvenience, which in the interest of British shipping I should like to see removed, but these particular lights are not absolutely essential to navigation, and I cannot plead the same urgency as was felt by neutrals in the case of the closing of the Straits, and I cannot say more than that I shall take advantage 1256 of any development which seems to justify a request for the restoration of the lights.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSAs the right hon. Gentleman has on previous occasions admitted the extreme danger and urgency of the lights being extinguished, as his former representation was successful, and as shipping is in danger, could he not make representations to both sides on the subject?
§ Sir E. GREYOf course, navigation has not been stopped by the lights being extinguished, and I am not aware that any accidents have occurred hitherto in consequence of the lights being extinguished, or even that we have recently had great complaints. There is, and must be, inconvenience. On the other hand, in view of the recent news that has come to everybody of the general character of the naval or military operations, I do not think it is a specially favourable moment for urging the restoration of the lights which have been extinguished for some months, and when conditions were certainly not more unfavourable than they are now.
§ Mr. LLOYDTwo of these lights especially would be a convenience to shipping, and not in the way of the warlike operations? Could the right hon. Gentleman make representations to that effect?
§ Sir E. GREYIt is very difficult unless you have a case of extreme urgency to make representations to belligerents, which would mean a curtailment of their action in one direction or another. I can only say that I am anxious to see the lights relit. I deplore the inconvenience, but it is impossible when two countries are at war to avoid inconvenience.