MR. SINCLAIR&c.) (Falkirk,I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been frequently called to the delay, by the Turkish Courts at Aleppo, in a case raised by Mrs. Braker, widow of a former British Consul (who had been connected with the Consular service for about 50 years); whether he is aware that a Turkish subject, residing at Aleppo, had forcibly entered into Mrs. Barker's house, and resisted for five or six years all her efforts to regain possession of her property by legal proceedings; whether the communications received allege improper influence being exercised over the local tribunals, in order to delay the hearing of the case; and whether, in view of the fact that two of Her Majesty's Consuls have reported favourably as to the justice of Mrs. Barker's case, and also as to the 406 delay of the Turkish Courts, and that Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople has reported to the same effect, instructions will be sent out to Her Majesty's representatives at Constantinople to press for the obtaining of a speedy hearing and decision in this case.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONThe case of Mrs. Barker has formed the subject of frequent correspondence. The questions in dispute have given rise to a long and complicated lawsuit. Mrs. Barker's opponent at one period attempted to enforce his claim by force, and was punished on the representations of the British Ambassador by dismissal from the Government Service. Allegations have been made on Mrs. Barker's behalf as to improper influence over the tribunals, but they have not been substantiated. Further instructions are not required, as the British Diplomatic and Consular officers, while unable to interfere with the action of the constituted Law Courts, have been unwearied in their efforts to assist Mrs. Barker to the extent of their powers. Recent information from Constantinople shows that Mrs. Barker is instructing her legal adviser in communication with the British Embassy.