§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for foreign Affairs whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to the accounts have very recently appeared in the newspapers of horrible cruelties stated to have been perpetrated a few weeks ago upon Armenian Christians in the district of Khanoos between Bitlios and Erzoroum; and whether he can give, or will obtain, any information on the subject?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONIn a Despatch, dated the 13th of last month, Her Majesty's Consul at Erzeroum stated that he had heard that a large number of Armenian labourers passing through the valley of Alashgerd on their return home from Russia were attacked by Koords and five of their number killed. The Porte denies the truth of the report referred to, and inquiry is being made as to the facts.
§ MR. BRYCEThe right hon. Gentleman does not seem to have seen the statement on which my notice is founded, 160 that one of the Christians had been roasted alive.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONWe certainly have not heard of any such occurrence; but I am quite certain if it took place it will be reported.