HC Deb 26 April 1897 vol 48 cc1075-7
SIR W. HARCOURT (Monmouthshire, W.)

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is prepared to make any statement to the House in relation to the war between Turkey and Greece, and the policy of Her Majesty's Government in relation thereto, whether the British Fleet is still engaged in the blockade of Crete, and whether that blockade is directed against the Cretan insurgents or against the Greek belligerents in the island? [Cheers.]

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

in answer to the right hon. Gentleman have to say that Her Majesty's Government, like the rest of the Powers, have agreed to an attitude of neutrality as between the combatants. They are, of course, desirous, as soon as a favourable opportunity presents itself, of offering their good offices as mediators. [Cheers.] With regard to the second Question of the right hon. Gentleman on the subject of the blockade of Crete, the Powers, having already assumed the occupation of the littoral of the island before the outbreak of the war, have determined that it shall be considered neutral. The blockade is maintained for the purpose of preventing opposition to their authority.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Will a proclamation of neutrality be issued?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I believe that that is the usual course, and no doubt it will be followed in the present case. ["Hear, hear!"]

MR. EDWARD MORTON (Devonport)

I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a report which has appeared in several of the newspapers that during the recent battles between the Turks and the Greeks several wounded Greek soldiers who fell into the hands of the Turks were shut up in a Christian church to which the Turks set fire, burning both the Church and the wounded Greek soldiers, and whether he can confirm or deny the truth of the Report?

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may ask him whether his attention has been called to a statement in to-day's newspapers that great cruelties have been inflicted on captured Turks by the Greeks, amongst other things by placing live coals upon them?

MR. CURZON

My attention has not been called to either of the reports mentioned by the hon. Gentlemen, and the Foreign Office has no information either corroborating or contradicting them.

MR. MORTON

May ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to a statement in The Standard of the 21st inst. that the Turkish Embassy in London have asserted that certain Englishmen, including officers of the British Army, have volunteered to tight on the Turkish side in the present war, and whether he is able to state that such report is true or not?

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question—[ironical cheers and laughter]— may ask whether the statement is true that Captain Birch and a number of Englishmen have volunteered their services and are fighting on behalf of the Greeks? ["Hear, hear!" and laughter.]

MR. CURZON

I must give the same answer to both Questions that gave before—namely, that we have no information on the subject.