HC Deb 27 March 1879 vol 244 cc1862-3
MR. CALLAN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What were the special circumstances in connection with the application made on behalf of the convict Paulo Gorlero by the Italian Ambassador which caused it "not to warrant the same consideration" as the application successfully made on behalf of the convict Theodoridi by the Ambassador of His Majesty the Sultan of Turkey; when and through whom had "the lady concerned in the case strongly recommended Theodoridi to mercy;" what were the special grounds stated, in the memorial of the convict Theodoridi himself; and, whether, taking into consideration the peculiar nature of this act of mercy, he will have any objection to lay all the Papers connected with the case upon the Table of the House?

MR. ASSHETON CROSS,

in reply, said, he had very little to add to what he said the other day in reference to the release of the convict Theodoridi. The Ambassadors of Turkey and Greece had called upon him at different times in a non-official capacity, and he told both that any formal application was to be made to the Foreign Office. He did not, however, believe any such application was made. With regard to Theodoridi, his offence was no doubt a serious one, and fully deserving of the punishment awarded; but it was an offence peculiarly affecting the lady herself. All the letters which she was anxious to obtain had been given up, and at the time the lady herself recommended him to mercy. Under these circumstances, he thought it right to release the man, and he thought that the absence of such a scoundrel from the country would be no loss to it.