§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If it is a fact that the inhabitants of Van have, as is stated in a telegram bearing date the 5th of May, protested against the action of an official or employé, which it is alleged is with the sanction of the English Consulate; whether any intelligence has been received by the Foreign Office concerning a Petition signed by 90 prominent inhabitants of Van addressed to the Porte on the subject, and demanding the abolition of the English Consulate; what were the charges preferred; and, will an inquiry be made into the circumstances of the case?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)The hon. Member has not mentioned the newspaper in which he has found the telegram he refers to. On examination, I find it in The Times of the 7th, among Reuter's telegrams. I observe that it goes on to say—
The charge is, however, entirely without foundation, and the complaint has not been communicated to Sir William White.Her Majesty's Government have no knowledge of the matter, and there does not appear to be any ground for inquiry.