HC Deb 05 March 1891 vol 351 cc230-1
MR. LEVESON-GOWER

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it be the fact that, although, according to Consul Lloyd's Minute of 2nd October, 1890, many Christians were "detained in prison for long periods without any charge being made against them" in connection with the disturbances at Erzeroum upon 20th June, no prosecution has been instituted by the Turkish Government, in spite of the repeated representations of the British and French Representatives at Constantinople and promises of the Grand Vizier, against any Mahommedans for the murder and pillage of Christians upon that day; and whether, if this be so, Her Majesty's Ambassador will be instructed to press upon the Porte the fulfilment of these promises, in order to afford greater confidence and security to the Christians of Erzeroum and the surrounding country?

SIR J. FERGUSSON

No prosecution has, so far as we know, been instituted. Inquiry will be made as to what stops the Porte proposes to take in the matter.