1. Mr. J. W WILSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the River Napo comes within the instructions contained in Dispatch No. 44 93 of 23th February last (published in the Putumayo Blue Book) to Consul Michell; whether the Peruvian officials in Iquitos have made representations to Mr. Consul Michell which have prevented the instructions contained in that dispatch being carried into execution; and whether the Consular visit to that river has been in consequence entirely abandoned?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. Grey)The reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. I have no information that Mr. Michell has been prevented from carrying out instructions to visit the Napo. In a dispatch dated 12th June last, he stated that he purposed, when practicable, to make a journey up that river. He was, however, instructed on 23rd July last to visit the Putumayo, as soon as convenient, and his report on that visit is now expected shortly, but it is evident that in consequence of the visit to the Putumayo, he has not yet had time to visit the Napo.