§ MR. EASTWICKsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he will explain how it happened that Mr. Erskine was left for some time without the aid of any Secretary of Legation during late events in Greece; how soon after the capture of Mr. Herbert was known Mr. Watson started for Athens from Constantinople; and, what measures were taken by the Turkish Authorities to prevent Takos 265 Arvaniki from escaping into Turkish Territory?
MR. OTWAYsaid, in reply, that the staff of the Legation at Athens consisted at the commencement of this year of Mr. Gould, the first Secretary; Mr. Smijth, the second Secretary of Legation; and the late Mr. Herbert, whose death had been so much lamented. Some time before the occurrence of the massacre Mr. Gould was promoted, and his place was to be supplied by Mr. Watson, one of the Secretaries at Constantinople; but Mr. Watson's presence was considered necessary at Constantinople to wind up the quarter's accounts, and hand them over to his successor. This delayed his departure by the steamer of the 13th to the steamer of the 16th of April, and Mr. Erskine was therefore deprived of Mr. Watson's services until the 18th of April. It was thought very undesirable that the Embassy at Constantinople should be left without a Secretary, and as the very serious character of the events at Athens was not appreciated from the first report that reached Constantinople, the departure of Mr. Watson was delayed for three days. With regard to the second part of the Question of his hon. Friend, he observed that immediately the Turkish authorities were informed of what had occurred in Greece they gave orders that the frontier should be very strictly watched; orders were given for the capture of the brigands if found on Turkish territory, and immediately Mr. Erskine reported that they had crossed the frontier orders were sent for the pursuit and capture of Takos Arvaniki and his band.