§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether differences have arisen between Prince George of Crete and Colonel Chermside; whether Colonel Chermside is subject to the authority of Prince George; and whether the Government have considered the desirability of withdrawing Colonel Chermside from Candia?
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether Sir Herbert Chermside is not thoroughly acquainted with Crete and its people, and trusted by the Cretans of both creeds; whether the Moslem population who have been driven from their homes and ruined do not regard Sir Herbert Chermside as their chief security for justice; whether—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That does not arise out of the Question.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTThe last part of the honourable Member's Question on the Paper distinctly refers to Sir Herbert Chermside's position.
§ MR. SPEAKERThe honourable Member's Question was an argument upon the Question of the honourable Member for East Mayo.
§ MR. BRODRICKThere are no differences between Prince George and Sir Herbert Chermside. Sir Herbert Chermside is responsible to Prince George as High Commissioner for the good government of the province of Candia, communicates constantly with Prince George on the subject, and acts under his Royal Highness's orders. Her Majesty's Government believe that it is desirable that Sir H. Chermside should remain in charge of the district for a few months until Prince George can take over the administration. I may add that I believe that Sir H. Chermside has earned, and deservedly commands, the confidence alike of the Mussulman and Christian population in Crete.