§ MR. HIGHAM (Yorkshire, W.R., Sowerby)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will appoint at Mersina, Asia Minor, considering the importance of British shipping and other British commercial 1063 interests there, a British subject as Consul; and will he say who has had charge of the Consulate there since the promotion to higher posts some five years ago of Lieutenant-Colonel Massey, and two years ago of Captain Townshend.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYUp to April, 1905, the British Vice-Consulate for the vilayet of Adana was situated at Adana in order that the Vice-Consul might be able to communicate easily with the Vali and central authorities of the district. Colonel Massey, who was appointed Vice-Consul in February, 1896, was succeeded by Captain Townshend in 1903. On Captain Townshend's transfer to another post in April, 1905, the Vice-Consulate for the vilayet was removed to Mersina on account of the growing commercial importance of the town, and Mr. Teofani Loiso, who was recommended to His Majesty's Government as the most suitable candidate, was appointed unsalaried Vice-Consul and still holds that post. It is doubtful whether a resident British subject with the necessary qualifications could be found at Mersina, and the trade does not appear to justify the appointment of a salaried Vice-Consul.