§ Mr. AUBREY HERBERTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the destitute condition of the population of Macedonia, Albania, and Thrace, His Majesty's Government is prepared to take action similar to that which was adopted on the occasion of the Messina earthquake, with a view to minimising the prevailing distress?
§ Mr. ACLANDHis Majesty's Government have done all in their power to facilitate the transmission of the relief and the distribution of the funds which have been raised during several months past by private effort in this country for the alleviation of destitution in Macedonia and Thrace. His Majesty's Consular representatives have been authorised to assist in the supervision and distribution of these funds, and they have done and are still doing much good work in this connection. His Majesty's Government hope that public opinion in this country will appreciate the continued necessity for relief, and they on their part will continue2148W to assist in every possible way in the administration of funds raised for relief purposes. In regard to the reference made by the hon. Member to the action of His Majesty's ships in transporting supplies to Messina, His Majesty's Government have no evidence that in the present case the cause of destitution is lack of sea transport; but if in any case it were shown that ordinary means of transport could not be made available, His Majesty's Government would consider in what way they could be of assistance.