HC Deb 14 March 1906 vol 153 cc1227-8
MR. GOOCH (Bath)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the result of the Commission of Inquiry into the massacre of women and children by Turkish troopsat the village of Konopnitsa, in the vilayet of Kossova, on August 19th, 1905; whether any officers in command of the troops, or any of the Turkish authorities at Egri Palanka, have been punished; and, if so, to what extent; whether any of the Austrian gendarmerie officers were members of the Commission of Inquiry; and whether they concurred in its decision.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) The Commission concluded that the shooting of villagers was due to a misapprehension, by which they were taken for komitadjis. None of the officials concerned have been punished. An Austrian officer was present during the inquiry. He has not, so far as His Majesty's Government are aware, expressed an opinion as to the accuracy of the decision arrived at.

MR. GOOCH

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the result of the Commission of Inquiry into the murder by Turkish troops of nine peasants in the village of Mogila, in the vilayet of Monastir, on September 3rd, 1905; whether any punishment has been inflicted on the officers in command or any Turkish officials; and, if so, to what extent; whether any Italian gendarmerie officers were members of the Commission of Inquiry; and, if so, whether they concurred in its decision.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) No information has reached His Majesty's Government as to the conclusions of the Commission in question. His Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople will be instructed to furnish a Report on the subject.