HC Deb 02 May 1907 vol 173 cc1061-2
MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the circumstances and conditions under which the British subject, Mr. Abbott, of Salonica, who was kidnapped by brigands, was released; what sum was paid by the British Consul to his captors; who provided the money; and whether he will take steps to secure repayment from the Turkish Government, as well as an adequate sum for compensation.

SIR EDWARD GREY

Mr. Abbott was released on the advance by His Majesty's Consul-General of a ransom of £T.15,000, which the Consul was authorised to make from public funds. The recovery of this sum from the Turkish Government is under negotiation. The question of compensation has not been raised, as far as I am aware, in this or in previous similar cases.

MR. FELL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if Mr. Robert Abbott, a British subject, was a month ago captured by Turkish brigands near Salonica, and has now been ransomed by the British Consul; and, if so, will He say what ransom was paid, from what source it came, and what steps will be taken to recover the amount from the Turkish Government.

SIR EDWARD GREY

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I have to-day returned to the hon. and gallant Member for the St. Andrews Burghs.

MR. FELL

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has received any report from the Consul-General in Turkey as to the position of affairs in some of the large seaports, one of which I visited last February, and—

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order. Personal statements are not admissible.

Forward to