§ Mr. KELLAWAYasked whether, in consequence of the action of certain British subjects who have been seeking for treasure in Jerusalem, the Sheikh of the Harm and one or more others have been imprisoned, and, if so, with what crime are they charged; whether the British Consul at Jerusalem has made any report upon what has occurred; and, if so, whether it can be presented to Parliament?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe last reports which I have received show that a Commission was appointed by the Turkish Government to inquire into the circumstances connected with excavations made by certain British subjects at the Mosque of Omar. The Commission submitted a report to the Turkish Government, in consequence of which the Governor of Jerusalem was recalled, the Commandant of Gendarmerie handed over to the Military Council, and others sent for trial to Beyrout. The matter is not one in which His Majesty's Government can properly intervene, as it is a question of internal administration.