§ MR. MACNEILLI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the fact that, on June 26, Mussulmans to the number of 1,200 made a sortie from the town of Candia and surprised the Christian insurgents at Kanli Kastelli, when a desperate combat ensued, entailing serious loss of life; whether it is the fact that, on June 26, the Turkish troops attacked Kanli Kastelli and massacred the garrison, and then entered the village of Rocca, where they murdered nine men; and what steps have been taken by the Great Powers for the preservation of life and property in peace now that the Greek forces have been withdrawn?
MR. CURZONThe following telegrams have been received from Sir Herbert Chermside:—
June 26.— Grazing question has developed incidents on June 22 at Aitania, and on 24th near Voutes with mutual losses. On 24th Governor owing to administrative difficulties informed the rationed irregulars rations must cease. On 25th Christians laid ambuscade near Turkish outpost Ghazi on west, killed three Moslems, wounded three, carried off lad and over 20 beasts. Another Christian ambuscade near Spelea was unsuccessful. These incidents precipitated a Moslem raid on Kanli Kastelli, 11 miles south, a mixed village with a Moslem majority, now in the hands of the Christians with Moslem houses destroyed, it is alleged. Cavalry orderlies were sent last night to the outposts, nevertheless a considerable raid occurred, accompanied by burning, fighting, and cattle-lifting. The Moslem loss was over ten killed. Total casualties not ascertained. It is alleged that seven Christian guards were killed; that others were killed in village and 17 houses burnt; cannot yet confirm." "June 28.—The bulk of the property around Kanli Kastelli is Moslem. Total houses in village 70, of which some 20 Moslem. These, with mosque, had been previously destroyed. Moslem losses, 14 killed and 16 wounded. Raiders believed to have numbered over 200.In consequence of these disturbances, Colonel Chermside made recommendations as to the measures to be taken by the local authorities to check raiding in future.