HC Deb 04 February 1850 vol 108 cc271-2
MR. MILNER GIBSON

observed that considerable uneasiness had been caused among the persons engaged in the Greek trade, in consequence of reports which had appeared in the newspapers, as to the position of Admiral Sir William Parker on the coast of Greece. He wished to ask the noble Lord the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he could give the House any information upon the subject?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

said, that for a considerable time past negotiations had been carried on with the Greek Government on the subject of compensation claimed by certain British subjects, as well as by inhabitants of the Ionian Islands, for wrongs inflicted upon them in Greece. Instructions had been given to Sir W. Parker that on his return from the Dardanelles he should proceed to Athens, and place himself in communication with Mr. Wyse, the British Minister at that Court, in order to support these demands. By the last accounts it appeared that a correspondence had been carried on between Mr. Wyse on the one part, and the Greek Minister on the other. Up to that time the result had not been satisfactory, but then the account left off. I may add that Mr. Wyse had gone on board the fleet, in order that he might be in a more proper position to act in concert with Sir William Parker, in enforcing the demands. I shall have no objection to lay before the House any papers connected with the subject which my right hon. Friend or any other hon. Member may please to move for.