§ MR. SEYMOUR ORMSBY-GORE () Lincolnshire, GainsboroughI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reasons have been given by the Government of the Argentine Republic for the sentence passed upon the 1057 murderer of Mr. William Barnett; and if His Majesty's Government will make representations to the Government of the Argentine Republic on the subject of the appeal lodged by the culprit against the sentence passed upon him.
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord CRANBORNE,) RochesterGrau, the murderer of Mr. Barnett has been sentenced to only eight years' imprisonment, and his accomplice to only one year's arrest. It is the solicitor for the prosecution who has appealed. The sentence is based on the opinion of the judge that there was no premeditation, and that Gran had not improperly assumed police authority. His extreme youth was also taken into consideration. His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Buenos Aires telegraphs that he is awaiting fuller reports relative to the case, and if there are good grounds for it he will make a strong representation against the sentence.
§ MR. SEYMOUR ORMSBY-GOREMay I ask whether, in view of the lenity of the sentence, the Government will make a further demand on the Argentine Government for the better security of British subjects in future.
§ LORD CRANBORNEThe solicitor for the prosecution has lodged an appeal; and while the Chargé d'Affaires is waiting for a special Report it is impossible to take any steps.