HC Deb 01 March 1898 vol 54 cc291-2
MR. JOHN ELLIS (Notts, Rushcliffe)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. Eliot, as representing the British Government, is instructed to take such steps as will ensure his acquiring full, accurate, and independent information respecting the outrages committed in the villayet of Kossovo; and when his report may be expected to be in the possession of Members?

MR. CURZON

Mr. Eliot's instructions, of course, authorised him to obtain information by the best means in his power. He was instructed to report for the information of the Government, and I am unable to say whether his report will be suitable for presentation until the sittings of the Commission are at an end and the report has been received.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Isle of Thanet)

Do the duties of this official require him to inquire into outrages by Christians as well as by Mahomedans, or only into the latter?

MR. CURZON

He was instructed to inquire into the whole affair.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER

Only going into one side or both?

MR. CURZON

Naturally his duty would be to report on every aspect of the case.