§ MR. JAMES BRYCE () Aberdeen, S.I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to the continued unrest and alarm which prevail among the Christian population in. Eastern Asia Minor and Northern Syria, and to the danger of fresh massacres there similar to that recently perpetrated at Tokat; what steps are being taken to guard against the risk of such massacres; and whether Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople has been instructed to point out the desirability of recalling Shakir Pasha, whose character and career have made him, an object of dread to the Eastern Christians?
* MR. CURZONHer Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople has reported apprehensions of disturbance at Bitlis, where some Mussulmans were, arrested who were supposed to be planning a massacre. At Behesni, near Birejik (Kharput Province), where there had been an attempt at a massacre a fortnight ago, which was suppressed. At Talori, where the Kurds were menacing the villages, and the Mutessarif at Moush had sent for troops. Her Majesty's ship Sybille is cruising along the coast from Mersyna to Alexandretta, and has on board Her Majesty's Vice Consul at Adana, who is visiting Payas and other districts. Constant representations are being made by the Ambassadors, and orders of the strictest kind have been sent by the Turkish Government to their officers throughout the Provinces. As the guilty officials at Tokat have been dismissed, and the Commandant of the troops has been arrested in consequence of the massacre that occurred there, there is reason to hope that these orders will be obeyed elsewhere. I do not know if the Shakir Pasha mentioned in the Question is the officer at the head of the Reforms Commission. The description given in the concluding paragraph does not appear to be applicable, to him.
§ MR. BRYCEIt is applicable at least in this sense, that Shakir Pasha, rightly or wrongly, is in fact feared by the Christians.
* MR. CURZONI am bound to say that that does not tally with what we have heard of him. He has always been 633 represented as one of the must distinguished and fair-minded of the Turkish officials.
§ MR. HERBERT LEWIS () Flint BoroughsMay I ask whether dismissal is the only punishment which has been inflicted on those whom the right hon. Gentleman has called "the guilty officials"?
* MR. CURZONThe investigation which, as I told the House a short time ago, has been authorised by the Turkish Government, has not yet taken place. Further punishment must depend upon the result of the investigation.
§ * SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTIs it not the fact that these officials were immediately put under arrest, and are about to be tried by a Special Commission?
* MR. CURZONNo, Sir; if I am right in my recollection they were dismissed from their posts and subsequently put under arrest.
§ MR. BRYCEIs it not the fact that Shakir Pasha was the person who suggested the establishment of the Kurdish "Hamidieh" irregulars, who have been the cause of such frightful evils?
MR. GIBSON BOWLES () Lynn RegisMay I ask whether the Foreign Office have any evidence at all to justify the recall of Shakir Pasha?