§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he will inquire of Her Majesty's Consul General at Erzeroum if it is possible for a courier to go from Moush to Kars at this season in three days (72 hours).
§ MR. F. S. STEVENSONMay I ask whether the Under-Secretary is aware that the distance from Mush to Kars, via Kagisvan, is only 155 miles, via Alashgert and Khinis only 145 miles; that there are other ways even shorter; and that the journey has been often performed, even in winter, in less than three days?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe particular point raised by the hon. Member is hardly one for a separate official inquiry. The reports published in the Daily Telegraph, will be referred, through Her Majesty's Embassy, to the Delegate on the spot, in order that the whole question of their accuracy or credibility may be considered there.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTArising out of the hon. Baronet's answer' may I ask whether he is aware that the country between Moush and Kars, is exceedingly difficult; that the roads are exercable, and at this season blocked with snow; and that travelling by night is impossible?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI have no knowledge of the conditions of the journey between Moush and Kars.
§ MR. F. S. STEVENSON (Suffolk, Eye)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affaire, whether the despach contained in the Daily Telegraph of 5th March, from its correspondent at Moush, will be brought to the notice of the British Ambassador at Constantinople, and of the European Delegates attending the Sasun Commission of Inquiry; and what steps are being taken, in view of the imminent danger of massacre at Bitlis and at other places mentioned, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the Christian population?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe report in question will be sent, like the previous one, to Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople, for communication to the British Delagate on the Commission. Her Majesty's Ambassador is in constant communication with his French and 554 Russian colleague and will take such action as may be necessary and possible in concert with them, for ensuring the safety of the Christian population.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTWill the hon. Member make specific inquiries as to the accuracy of the dates?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI think it would be impossible for the Delegates to take into account the accuracy or otherwise of the reports without going into the question of where they were written. The reports are being referred to the Delegates through Her Majesty's Ambassador, and one of the points to be taken notice of is where the reports are or have been, written.