HC Deb 02 August 1897 vol 52 cc91-3
MR. DILLON

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether at an interview between Djevad Pasha and the Admirals, the character of his mission was discussed; and whether this is to be taken as a recognition of the right of Djevad Pasha to interfere in the affairs of Crete?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. G. N. CURZON,) Lancashire, Southport

Djevad Pasha stated to the Admirals on the 25th of July that his mission was not political, but that his instructions were to take command of the troops, and endeavour to enlarge the cordon and ameliorate the position of Mussulmans. This statement cannot be taken as a recognition of his right to exercise any function except that of commander of the Turkish troops, to which post he has been appointed in place of the commander recently withdrawn.

MR. DILLON

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, since the landing of Djevad Pasha, the European soldiers in Canea have been frequently insulted by the Mahomedans and Turkish soldiers, and in some instances assaulted, and whether, in the face of such proceedings, the Admirals intend to maintain their present attitude towards the Mahomedans and Turkish authorities in the island?

MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information in regard to the state of affairs in Crete since the arrival of Djevad Pasha in the island; whether a few nights since European soldiers were maltreated by a Turkish patrol; and whether any, and if so, what, steps are being taken by the Powers to prevent the repetition of outrages?

MR. CURZON

The British Admiral has reported that isolated quarrels have recently taken place at Canea between the European and Turkish troops, but nothing has been said as to any connection between these incidents and the arrival of Djevad Pasha. On the contrary, the British Admiral expresses the hope that in consequence of the measures adopted by the Admirals in conjunction with Djevad Pasha, they will not recur. There is no reason, therefore, why the Admirals should depart from the attitude which they have hitherto observed.

MR. DILLON

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the blockade of Crete is still maintained; if it is, whether he can state the present conditions of the blockade; and, whether ammunition and military stores are allowed to be landed for the use of the Mussulmans, while the blockade is enforced against ammunition intended for the Christians?

MR. CURZON

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on the 19th of July with regard to the blockade of Crete. Ammunition and military stores are no doubt landed for the use of the Turkish troops in the island. This is obviously necessary so long as they remain there.

MR. DILLON

asked whether it was true that while ammunition and military stores were allowed to be landed for the Turkish troops, they were not allowed to be landed for the use of the Christians?

MR. CURZON

There are no Christian troops in the island.

MR. DILLON

said that his question referred not to Christian troops, but to the Christian insurgents.

MR. CURZON

The hon. Member tries to establish a parity of position between the Turks and the Christians. No such parity exists, because there are no Christian troops in the island.

MR. DILLON

Then I understand that the English Admirals are on the Turkish side. [Nationalist cheers.]

MR. DILLON

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Admirals intend to allow Djevad Pasha to remain in Crete?

MR. CURZON

The Admirals have no ground for objecting to the discharge by Djevad Pasha of the duties of the post to which he has been appointed.