§ MR. SHAW LEFEVREasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true that, in spite of the Armistice effected at the instance of Her Majesty's Consul between the insurgents of Crete and the Turkish troops, the Turks have made renewed attacks upon the insurgents, and are sending fresh troops to the island; and, if so, whether the Government proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ MR. BOURKESir, from information which we have received lately, we have reason to believe that the truce has been broken between the Turkish forces and the insurgents of Crete. It is said, that this has taken place in consequence of the Turkish troops having marched into Christian villages. It is said also, on the one hand, that the Turkish troops did this at the invitation of the Christian inhabitants of those villages. On the other hand, it is said that if that invitation were given to the Turkish 1373 troops, it was given by inhabitants who did not represent the feeling of the Christian population. That is all the information I can give the hon. Gentleman upon that subject. A telegram received within the last day or two from Mr. Layard states that Reschid Pasha had proceeded to Crete to take command of the troops, and that he was also accompanied by Server Pasha. Mr. Layard adds that both these officers are very well spoken of, and have given the strongest assurances that they will do their best to repress and restrain the excesses of the troops, and to restore as speedily as possible peace and tranquillity to the island.
§ MR. MONKasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, When the Papers in reference to Crete will be laid upon the Table?
§ MR. BOURKE, in reply, said, he hoped that some of them would be laid upon the Table this afternoon, and that he hoped they would all be in the hands of hon. Members before the end of the Holidays.