§ LORD AUGUSTUS HERVEYasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he is aware that the Demarch of Astako reported to the superior authorities that the three English travellers who were seized by brigands near Dragomestre, on the 8th of December, 1865, had been previously warned by him of their danger; whether he is aware that that report was completely untrue; and, if so, whether the Foreign Office has urged, or intends to urge, upon the Greek Government the dismissal of that functionary?
§ MR. LAYARDsaid, that so far from the authorities stating that they had assured the three English gentlemen that there was no danger, they rather complained of those gentlemen going into a part of the country infested by brigands. He held in his hand a report from the Demarch of Astako to his Government, in which the fact was stated. Under these circumstances, Her Majesty's Government did not think it necessary to call upon the Greek Government to take any steps with regard to him. Mr. Erskine had directed inquiries to be made into the facts of the case. It would be very advisable if travellers in Greece—and there appeared to be many—would put themselves in communication with the authorities before proceeding through districts remote from towns, as it was well known that brigandage was rife at the present moment in that country.