THE EARL OF ROSEBERYI also desire to put a Question to the noble Marquess on a point upon which I need not dwell, because it has been so constantly before your Lordships. I cannot disguise from, the noble Marquess that there exists a feeling of great apprehension with regard to the continued presence of the French in the New Hebrides. A statement from the noble Marquess might greatly alleviate that feeling; and, perhaps, he could also give a date for the production of Papers on the subject.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (The Marquess of SALISBURY)I will see if the Papers can be produced before your Lordships separate; but I am not quite certain whether they will be ready. I entirely share the feelings of the noble Earl. I look upon this continued occupation of the New Hebrides with deep regret, though I am not able to say—it would be unjust to say—that the French Government hold any language on the subject to which we can take exception. Our difficulty has been to obtain an answer to the 676 representations we have made. Those representations have fully called the attention of the French Government to the gravity with which this matter is regarded both in this country and also in the Colonies. I can only repeat the hope that before long the expressed opinions of the French Government, which are entirely correct, may be translated into practice. It is fair to the French Government that I should say that they have wished to conduct side by side with this matter the negotiations in regard to the Suez Canal which, I think, were in progress when the noble Earl was in Office. We have no objection to this; but we must demur to these latter negotiations being the cause of any delay in regard to the former.
THE EARL OF ROSEBERYDid any communication from the French Government, which was expected by the noble Marquess in February, again in March, and the beginning of May, arrive?
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI think we had one communication; but it was of a very inconclusive character.