MR. J. COWENsaid, that, in order to elucidate the answer to a Question asked by the hon. Member for Greenwich (Baron Henry De Worms), he would inquire, Whether the Government meant to make any definite representation to the Russian Government as to the treatment of Jews who were British subjects in Russia; and, in the second place, whether the Government intended to give distinct notification in the "Gazette" that Jews being British subjects would not be protected by Tier Majesty's Government in Russia?
§ Loup RANDOLPH CHURCHILLasked, Whether Her Majesty's Government had received information as to a considerable massacre and plunder of Jews which had taken place in a town. the name of which he was not able to pronounce, on the Galician Frontier, and as to a large number of Jews being forced to cross the Frontier? He also wished to ask whether a considerable massacre and plunder of Jews had taken place in the town of Odessa, and whether Her Majesty's Government had called for or intended to call upon Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at St. Petersburg, or the Consul General at Odessa, for reports on the subject?
§ MR. O'DONNELLasked, whether the Government, if they made any representations to the Russian Government, would in turn listen to representations that the Russian Government might make with regard to the treatment of peasants in Ireland?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, with respect to the second portion of the Question of the hon. Member for Newcastle (Mr. J. Cowen), I have to say that a notice was inserted in The London Gazette, before the present Government came into Office, stating that Jews in 826 Russia were subject to certain disabilities—that they could not hold land, for instance—and generally warning the community. That publicity was sufficient, I believe, without the insertion of a further notice. With regard to representations made to the Russian Government, I stated to-day that no final determination had been come to on this subject, and it would be obviously improper for me to go beyond that reply. We have received no information as to massacres on the Austrian frontier, there being no representatives of Her Majesty in the frontier districts. With regard to Odessa, I have seen a paragraph in a paper, but we have heard nothing on the subject from Her Majesty's Consul at that place.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLWill the hon. Baronet make formal inquiries into the matter?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEIt is highly probable that we shall receive information in the course of a few days.
§ BARON HENRY DE WORMSasked, whether it was the fact that the Government had lately made representations to Persia in regard to the Nestorian Christians, and whether Persia was included in the category of places in which representations were likely to be made with satisfactory results?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEYes, Sir; representations not only as to the Christian but also as to the Jewish population in Persia have been made within the last few weeks.