§ 15. Mr. DUGGANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent murder in Barcelona of a British subject, Mr. J. Mitchell Hood; what representations have been made to the Spanish Government in this connection; and whether he is now in a position to give an assurance that adequate steps will be taken to protect British lives and 1644 property during the present period of riots and lawlessness in certain parts of Spain?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEYes, Sir. His Majesty's Consul-General at Barcelona and His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Madrid addressed Notes to the Spanish Government on 2nd and 3rd July, respectively, drawing attention to the grave concern which such an occurrence must cause to His Majesty's Government. The Spanish Government have expressed deep regret and undertaken to take the most active steps to inquire into the circumstances and to arrest the murderers as soon as possible. With regard to the last part of the question, an assurance has been given by the Spanish authorities that steps will be taken and all the forces of public order will be available to afford prompt protection to British lives and property.