§ MR. BAILLIE COCHRANEsaid, he wished to put a Question to the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with regard to an extraordinary statement which has appeared in the daily papers—whether it is correct that
The British Consulates hare been informed that, in compliance with the wish of Greece, England will extend her protection over the Ionian inhabitants in their relations with the Turkish authorities for another year;and, if so, whether he will lay on the table a Copy of the Despatch in which the Greek Government ask for that favour, and the Reply thereto?
§ MR. LAYARDsaid, in reply, that the paragraph which the hon. Member had read was not strictly correct. As the hon. Gentleman was aware, there were in the East Consular Courts which had hitherto dealt with cases arising amongst Ionians. Many of these cases were still in litigation; in some the terms of imprisonment had not yet elapsed, and in others judgment had been given, but execution had not been carried out. All the Government had done was to signify its readiness, if the Turkish and Greek Governments should agree, to extend their protection; or, as the case might be, to carry out the judgments in the case of Ionians, so as to avoid the great inconvenience that otherwise might arise in suits that were pending. There was no general protection extended to Ionians for any specified period. He did not think there would be any objection to the production of the despatch; but if his hon. Friend would move for it he would see if it could be given.