§ MR. J. C. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office are in receipt of any official information respecting the alleged attack upon, and the burning of, the village of Galata by armed bands of Mussulmen, and respecting the reported murder of a Christian judge, named M. Markoulakis, at Canea, on the 1st instant; and whether the representatives of the Powers 1299 have addressed representations or remonstrance to the Governor General of Crete on the subject of these disturbances?
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked whether the Foreign Office had received information that a large number of Mussulman villagers had been driven from their homes in the interior of the island and were now refugees in towns on the coast?
MR. CURZONIt is true; according to reports we have received, that large numbers of Mussulmans from Mussulman villages have migrated from the villages to the towns, but as to the circumstances under which this has taken place, we have no information. As to the Question of the hon. Member for Cork, we have heard nothing of the reported murder of M. Markoulakis. Our last reports state that fighting continues at Suda Bay and round Canea. The rumoured massacre of Christians at Galata had exasperated their co-religionists. At request of the Porte and the Vali, Her Majesty's Ambassador sent instructions to Her Majesty's Consul to do his utmost to restore order. Consul Biliotti and some of his colleagues, at the Vali's request, went with him yesterday to Suda Bay to use their influence with the armed Christians. For some time the continued fire prevented direct communication with the insurgents. The latest news is that, a messenger having at last reached the chiefs, the latter promised to cease firing if the troops did so, and the Vali had given orders to that effect. The Consuls are continuing their efforts to-day. An additional British ship of war has been sent to Canea.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked if the right hon. Gentleman would cause inquiry to be made as to the reports of Mussulmans being driven from their homes?
MR. CURZONsaid the inquiries made had reference to maltreatment of both parties, and, from reports received from the Consular authorities, no doubt he would be able to give further information in a few days.