THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYSeeing the noble Marquess at the head of the Government in his place, I wish to ask him whether he can give us the latest news of the state of affairs in China.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (The Marquess of SALISBURY)I do not think we have any news which I can call of an interesting character. The Admiral has come back to Tientsin—this news comes through the Japanese boats —and we do not know exactly what grounds he had for coming back or what his intentions are. Also the Taku forts have been attacked, as I think your Lordships have seen in the newspapers, but we have not received any information of any result from that movement. I very much wish I could give the noble Earl fuller information, because it is naturally a matter which has created everywhere the utmost anxiety, both in this country and others. At present all we have been able to do is to inform those who represent us that their discretion is absolute, and to forward as many troops as we can.