§ SIR JAMES ELPHINSTONEsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the withdrawal of the usual force 108 hitherto maintained in Greek Waters, viz., a Line-of-battle Ship or heavy Frigate at the Piræus, and two Sloops on the coast, is in consequence of representations from the Foreign Office to the Admiralty that the safety of British subjects and the protection of British interests in Greece can be ensured without a naval force; what steps Her Majesty's Government intend to take in consequence of the late murders; and, whether they intend to press upon the Government of that Kingdom the necessity of making an adequate provision for Mrs. Lloyd, the widow of one of the murdered men?
MR. OTWAYSir, in reply to the Question of the hon. Baronet, I have to state that no communications have been addressed to the Board of Admiralty by the Foreign Office recommending the withdrawal of the usual force hitherto maintained in Greek waters. The hon. Baronet states that that force consists of a line-of-battle ship or heavy frigate at the Piræus and two sloops on the coast; but I am authorized, by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, to state that the Admiralty standing orders do not prescribe any particular force for the Greek waters; that the disposition of the Mediterranean Squadron is entirely at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief in that sea, and his discretion has been exercised to the satisfaction of the Board of Admiralty, as it has likewise been to the Foreign Office. I may inform the House, however, that my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, having been informed that the squadron under Sir Alexander Milne was about to proceed to the Piræus at the time of the recent massacre of our countrymen in Greece, requested that orders might be sent to stop its arrival, as he did not consider it proper, under the deplorable circumstances which have occurred, that a British fleet should receive the hospitality of the Greek Government. The hon. Baronet asks what steps Her Majesty's Government intend to take in consequence of the late murders? Sir, that question seems to me premature. Every despatch which we have received has been immediately communicated to the Members of this House, and they will be aware, therefore, that our information is not yet complete. With regard to the unfortunate lady, Mrs. Lloyd, we 109 have reason to expect that a suitable provision will be made for her present wants, and for the future maintenance of herself and child by the Greek Government.