§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether in October last Mr. di 637 Cesnola, an American citizen, was tried for an offence against Turkish law in digging up objects of antiquarian interest without a Firman, by the district Court of Larnaca in Cyprus; whether the Court was presided over by a Turkish Cadi, assisted by an English assessor; whether Mr. di Cesnola was sentenced to a fine, afterwards remitted by Sir Garnet Wolseley, and the confiscation of the objects found pronounced by the Court; whether the latter portion of the judgment was carried into effect; whether any protest was made by Mr. di Cesnola against the jurisdiction of the Court; whether Turkish sovereignty continues to exist in Cyprus; and, if so, what power there is to try foreigners, not being British subjects, in disregard of the capitulations; whether appeals from the Courts in Cyprus to Constantinople will be allowed by Her Majesty's Government; and, whether there exists any Correspondence upon the subject of jurisdiction in Cyprus?
§ MR. BOURKEMr. di Cesnola, who described himself as an American citizen, was tried, on the 23rd of October, before the Court of the Medjliss Davi at Larnaca, assisted by an English assessor. The Court was presided over by a Turkish Cadi, assisted by an English assessor. Mr. di Cesnola was sentenced to a fine, afterwards remitted by Sir Garnet Wolseley, and the confiscation of the objects found was pronounced by the Court. The latter portion of the sentence was carried into effect. Mr. di Cesnola protested against this. As to whether Turkish sovereignty continues to exist in Cyprus, I must refer the hon. Baronet to the Convention on this subject. [Laughter.] I hope the hon. Baronet does not think that I mean any discourtesy by that answer. [Sir CHARLES W. DILKE: No, no.] It is the best answer I can give. In regard to jurisdiction in Cyprus, I have to state that, pending arrangements which are now in progress, I hope this point will very soon be completed. Every precaution is taken to secure a fair trial to any foreigner who is charged with any offence.
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTHave negotiations been concluded?
§ MR. BOURKEArrangement is a better word. There is no negotiation going on between the Porte and Her Majesty's Government. With regard to appeals, no appeal from Cyprus to Con- 638 stantinople is allowed by Her Majesty's Government. There is no Correspondence whatever with any foreign Government in regard to jurisdiction in Cyprus.