§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the Prime Minister, Whether his attention has been called to the testimony of Sir Beauchamp Seymour and other British officers that the disturbances at Alexandria on the 11th of June had no political significance, but are only the consequences of a riot between Greeks and Arabs; whether those authorities have not praised the steady behaviour of the Egyptian troops and the good faith of the Government of Alexandria in dealing with the rioters; and whether the Government will take any steps to contradict the unfounded accusations of massacre that have been brought against the Egyptian National party?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEWe have no information as to the latter part of this Question. With regard to the first part of the Question, referring to the statement of Sir Beauchamp Seymour in the despatch written hurriedly on the next day after the riot that it had no political significance, I have to tell the hon. Member that later information, in the possession of the Government, entirely contradicts that opinion. Sir Beauchamp Seymour was imperfectly informed as to the state of affairs when he sent that despatch.
§ MR. O'KELLYasked whether the troops had not assisted to put an end to the riot?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEFour hours' delay occurred before the troops, who were in very large force, took any steps to suppress the riot. As soon as they appeared on the streets, the actual attack on Europeans entirely ceased; but looting continued.
§ MR. O'DONNELLasked whether, on the day of the riot or the following day, there was not a meeting at Alexandria of the British authorities and others, in which they expressly recognized the fidelity with which the Governor had kept his undertaking to protect the lives of 1548 Europeans till the time the troops entered the town?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEThe conduct of the Governor was approved; but the Sub-Prefect of Alexandria was one of those most gravely compromised.