§ 2. Sir WILLIAM BULLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether British merchants at Peking and Tientsin have been able to visit Tsingtau for the purpose of opening up business connections; and in case this is not so, if he will use his best offices with our Ally Japan to ensure equal opportunity of commercial development?
§ Sir E. GREYSo far as His Majesty's Government are aware, Tsingtau is still in the hands of the Japanese military authorities, and I have no information in regard to the first part of the question. His Majesty's Government have, however, been in communication with the Japanese Government in consequence of which access to the port by a certain number of British vessels has been allowed.