HC Deb 23 May 1898 vol 58 cc390-1
MR. HEDDERWICK

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reparation has been demanded by Her Majesty's Government or has been made by the Porte for the arrest and imprisonment, some month ago, of Mr. Robert Barr, the author, on the coast of Syria, while he was engaged in inspecting some ancient ruins, under the protection of a British passport?

MR. CURZON

Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople, on hearing of the arrest and detention of Mr. Barr, and certain other British subjects, for 26 hours at Suedia in November last, made immediate, representations to the Porte. As a result of these representations, the Mudir of Suedia, the official mainly responsible, was dismissed, and a note was received from the Porte, expressing regret at the incident, and stating that orders had been sent to the proper authorities to prevent the repetition of such occurrences. In these circumstances, and considering that no pecuniary compensation was demanded by the individuals concerned, Her Majesty's Government considered that the measures taken by the Porte and the apology given afforded adequate satisfaction.

MR. T. M. HEALY

What satisfaction is that to Mr. Barr?

[No Reply.]