HC Deb 27 July 1896 vol 43 c701
MR. FLYNN

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has any information as to the truth of the statement that at the opening of the Convocation of Canea, the speech of the Vali was read in the Turkish tongue, though Creek is the language prescribed by the Halifa constitution; and, if so, whether, taking into account the vital importance of inducing both sections of the Assembly to work in harmony, the conduct of the Turkish authorities will form the subject of investigation by the representatives of the Powers?

MR. CURZON

Her Majesty's Consul in Crete has reported that the Assembly met on the 13th inst., and that contrary to precedent the opening-speech was delivered in Turkish, an innovation against which the Christian deputies remonstrated. The speech was subsequently read in Greek. The representatives of the Powers at Constantinople, when full information has reached them, will no doubt consider whether this matter should form the subject of investigation.

MR. FLYNN

asked whether the Convocation had not met for the past week, and that the suspension was largely owing to the incidents mentioned in the two questions?

MR. CURZON

thought that the information of the hon. Member was incorrect. He believed that the Convocation was sitting at the present time.

MR. FLYNN

There is no business being done. [Laughter]