HC Deb 27 July 1876 vol 230 cc1961-2
MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether in the Mission despatched from the British Embassy at Constantinople to inquire into the outrages in Bulgaria, there has been sent any responsible person acquainted with the Bulgarian language?

MR. BOURKE

The gentlemen appointed to inquire into and report on the alleged atrocities committed in Bulgaria are M. Dupuis, the British Vice Consul at Adrianople, and Mr. Baring, one of the second secretaries in the Constantinople Embassy. M. Dupuis was Vice Consul for 12 years at Sulina, on the Danube, and four years at Adrianople. He is, therefore, well acquainted with the country and people. It is not known whether he speaks Bulgarian accurately; but he is believed to be sufficiently conversant with the language of the country to be able to furnish a good and faithful report. Mr. Baring has been nearly three years at Constantinople, and was previously for some time at Athens. Sir Henry Elliot, in reporting that he had appointed him to accompany M. Dupuis, stated that there was no one better qualified for the duty. It was considered that it would be more effectual for the purpose of the inquiry that some one should go from Constantinople who could report personally to the Embassy and explain if necessary to the Porte what he had seen and learnt.