§ Mr. BONAR LAWCan the Prime Minister give the House any information as to the movements of British vessels in the eastern parts of the Mediterranean, and also as to the position in Constantinople?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople telegraphs that a meeting of the Diplomatic Representatives decided that it might be necessary to protect the foreign communities resident in that city, and it was for that purpose desirable that warships should be sent by the various Powers.
His Majesty's Ambassador has obtained the consent of the Turkish Government for one of His Majesty's ships to pass through the Dardanelles to Constantinople. Similar permission has been given for a German, a French, an Italian, and an Austro-Hungarian warship, and permission has been given for a Russian warship to pass through the Bosphorus.
His Majesty's ship "Weymouth" arrived at Besika Bay on the morning of 2nd November, and His Majesty's ship "Hampshire" was ordered to proceed yesterday from Salonica, and ought to arrive to-day.
878 His Majesty's Ambassador has detained a British ship, the "City of Chios," at Constantinople for use in case the safety of British subjects is endangered, and immediate arrangements are being made for the services of a second ship.
Similar arrangements for holding vessels in readiness have, I understand, been made by the French, German, and Austro-Hungarian Ambassadors at Constantinople. I am afraid I cannot, at this moment, give any information, for we have none, as to the present situation in Constantinople.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAre there any of our vessels at Salonica?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe "Hampshire," before she leaves Salonica, will be relieved by another vessel.