§ MR. H. SAMUELSONasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he can give the House any information as to the reported outrage upon Colonel Synge near Tricovitza; whether the brigands who carried him off are known to be subjects of the King of the Hellenes, or notorious inhabitants of the vilayet of Saloniea and its neighbourhood—subjects of the Porte, who have long been in the habit of committing depredations in the district; and, if they are Hellenic subjects, whether he can explain the existence of an armed band of Greek brigands in time of peace in Turkey, inland, at a distance of about one hundred miles from the Greek frontier?
§ MR. BOURKEI have no doubt that every hon. Member present has seen an account of this circumstance in the newspapers. I am sure the House will perceive that, under existing circumstances, it would be extremely inexpedient for me to make any statement with regard to the facts alleged by the hon. Member in his Question.
§ MR. H. SAMUELSONI beg to ask, not for any information that may hurt Colonel Synge in any way, but whether the hon. Gentleman has any information as to the nationality of the brigands who committed the outrage? To state that cannot do Colonel Synge any harm.
§ MR. BOURKEI will not undertake the responsibility of saying that any 1300 statement I may make might not be injurious to Colonel Synge.
§ MR. H. SAMUELSONI beg to give Notice that I shall call the attention of the House to this subject.