HC Deb 14 June 1921 vol 143 cc239-40
94. Mr. LUNN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the bodies of all foreigners killed in the recent riots at Alexandria have been medically examined, and that the exhumation has proved that no foreigner was burnt either alive or dead; and whether, if he is not so aware, he will take steps to ascertain the facts and to prevent reports being issued by the Press as to the burning alive of foreigners by Egyptians on the ground that they are false and calculated to prejudice the public mind in regard to the forthcoming negotiations between the two countries?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I greatly regret to say that one case of burning during the recent riots at Alexandria has been officially certified. The facts concerning the certified case are as follows: An Italian was set on fire after receiving blows and being stabbed in the chest. The Police Medical Officer of Health has made a statement that the man was still alive when he was set on fire. The Assistant Commandant of Police saw the man burning and states that when he had extinguished the flames the man was dead. The Police Medical Officer of Health has certified that death was due to burning. There is also some evidence, which is now being checked, tending to show that the mob attempted to burn the corpse of a murdered Greek.

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