§ Mr. BONAR LAWMay I ask the Prime Minister if he is prepared to make a statement with regard to the position in the Near East; and perhaps at the same time he will tell us what the business will be on Friday?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe only statement I can make for the moment in answer to the question is this: His Majesty's Ambassador in Constantinople has reported that, in view of the danger to be anticipated from the probably large number of troops retreating or retiring on the town, the foreign representatives decided to land detachments at Pera from the foreign warships early yesterday morning. These detachments are for the present to be confined to the depots and embassies allotted to them in accordance with previous arrangement. They are not to patrol the other quarters of the town except in case of urgent necessity. The approximate total number of men landed from the foreign warships is 3,000, of which 497 are British. The Turkish authorities were duly informed before this action was taken, and promised their co-operation. The second part of the question I would rather answer to-morrow.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEHas the Government any information concerning the rumour that Austria-Hungary has sent an ultimatum to Servia?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask the Prime Minister whether the Government has any information to the effect that the German reservists in the United Kingdom have received notice that they may be required to return to Germany within twenty-four hours?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government have no information to confirm such a statement.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILCan the right hon. Gentleman not say the business to be taken on Friday?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have said I will say to-morrow.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman realises the inconvenience to hon. Members having various engagements not knowing the business that is to be taken, and whether it is or is not to be of a highly contentious character?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI quite realise that. Our present intention, subject to modification, is to go on with the Resolution relating to the allocation of time on the Welsh Disestablishment Bill: that is purely provisional.
§ Mr. HOGGEIn view of the fact that the Noble Lord is drawing his salary, is it not his duty to be here on Friday?
§ Lord BALCARRESDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to take any business tonight at the conclusion of our financial business?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINNor, I presume, to-morrow night either?
§ The PRIME MINISTERSufficient to the night—