§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether it is a fact that, on the sworn information of Mr. C. Sarsboghi, clerk to the Nicosia magistrates, a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Bistachi, Chief Inspector to Revenue, was issued; whether, during the period between the swearing of the information, its consideration by Sir Robert Biddulph, and the placing of the warrant in the hands of the police, Mr. Bistachi was allowed to leave the Island; whether the police have followed him, and whether any steps will be taken to secure his arrest; and, whether it is a fact that the Auditor occupies the same dwelling-house at Nicosia as Bistachi did up to the day of his absconding?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYThe sworn information of Mr. Saripolos was not preferred until after Mr. Bistachi had left Cyprus for Alexandria on leave of absence. He was immediately ordered by telegram to return, and has telegraphed that he will do so. The police would have no authority to arrest him in Egypt, where he had gone; and the offence with which he is charged—namely, receiving a bribe, is not an extraditable offence within the Schedule of the Cyprus Extradition Order in Council, 1881. Though we have no official information as to the latter part of the Question, I believe it to be a fact that the two gentlemen referred to, being bachelors, occupy separate parts of one large building.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked, whether it was within the knowledge of the Colonial Office that Petitions, largely signed by both Greeks and Catholics, had been presented through the Christian Mission praying that the corrupt administration of Cyprus may cease, that the British will evacuate the Island, and that it may join the Hellenic Kingdom?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYI have no knowledge of it.