§ 19. Captain BOURNEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any statement on the present position in Madeira; and if he is satisfied that adequate steps are being taken to safeguard the lives and property of British subjects?
§ 25. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information regarding the situation in Madeira?
Mr. A. HENDERSONLast Saturday the insurgents telegraphed to the commander of the Government forces offering to surrender. Most of the insurgent officers and some civilians took refuge in His Majesty's Ship "London." The captain has been in communication with the Minister of Marine, who is on the spot, with regard to them, and the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs has given His Majesty's Ambassador at Lisbon an undertaking that, provided the Minister of Marine concurs, their lives will be spared if they surrender. Some have already surrendered voluntarily, and I anticipate that a satisfactory arrangement with regard to the others will be made shortly. So far as I am aware, British subjects have been in no way molested, and I have no information at present whether any damage has been done to British property. The fact that His Majesty's Consul considers that the presence of His Majesty's Ship "London" is no longer required suggests that British subjects are in no danger. His Majesty's Ship "Curlew" will, at any rate, remain for the present. I feel sure that the House will agree that the greatest credit is due to the captain of His Majesty's Ship "London," and to His Majesty's Consul at Funchal for the manner in which they have handled the situation.
Viscountess ASTO RWill the right hon. Gentleman impress upon his party that the British Navy is a life-saver?
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSIs not the revolt against the Portuguese Government being taken too seriously?