§ MR. STEVENSONI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that two British mercantile firms, trading at Constantinople, have been compelled to liquidate their affairs in consequence of the financial losses caused by the disturbances and robberies which took place at Stamboul, Haskeny, Pera, and Galata in August, 1896; whether repeated representations have been made by the British Chamber of Commerceat Constantinople in regard to the delay in settling the claims of Her Majesty's subjects residing in Turkey, under the protection of the Capitulations, who suffered loss of property at the time of the massacres; and what steps the Government propose; to take for the purpose of securing payment of the claims which have been certified as fair and reasonable by the British Ambassador.
§ *MR. BRODRICKHer Majesty's Government are aware that the losses sustained on the occasion referred to have caused serious embarrassment to several of the sufferers, and that representations have been made by British merchants at Constantinople. The claims have been pressed on the attention of the Porte, and will continue to be so pressed; but Her Majesty's Government cannot undertake to do more than act in concert with other Powers who are equally concerned.