§ EARL SPENCERSeeing the noble Marquess the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is in his place, I should like to ask him whether the report which has appeared in the newspapers to-day is true as to negotiations between Russia and China. If he can give the House any information I am sure it will afford your Lordships very great satisfaction.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (The MARQUESS of LANSDOWNE)My Lords, at the last sitting of your Lordships' House I mentioned to the noble Lord that communications were passing between His Majesty's Government and the other Governments concerned with regard to the conditions which the Russian Government was alleged to be demanding in connection with the evacuation of Manchuria†Those communications are still in progress; but in the meanwhile we have received from sources the authority of which we cannot question, information to the effect that the Russian Government has made an intimation that they disclaim all intention of seeking for exclusive privileges in Manchuria or departing from the assurances given in regard to that province.
† See page 639.