The Sun. — 1870-05-24 (London, England)

THE MURDERS IN GREECE.  The Earl of CARNARNON inquired of her Majesty's Government what measures they were prepared to adopt o obtain redress from the Greek Government for the recent seizure in the immediate neighbourhood of Athens, and the barbarous murderof English subjects, under circumstances of grave suspicion attaching to the Greek Government, and certain other persons both in and out of office in that country. The noble earl took the opportunity of recapitulating the facts of the affair, and said the calamity was brought about by three causes ; the first being the assurance given to travellers that no danger need be apprehended, by persons travelling in the particular part of that country where the seizure was made. Secondly, the refusal of an amnesty to the brigands ; and thirdly, the movement of troops, for all of which, he contended, the Greek Government was to blame. The most terrible consequences followed the proceedings of that Government, and for which he believed the universal opinion was they were entirely responsible. It appeared that the Greek Government never actually took any trouble about the matter as they refused everything they were asked to do ; and further, it was most extraordinary how the telegrams on the subject were delayed. Such conduct as had been displayed by the Greek Government he could scarcely trust himself to speak of, and with respect to the resignation of General Soutzos, he was afraid it was only done to cover those who remained behind. He believed the noble earl opposite had done everything it was possible for him to do, but with respect of the Greek Government his opinion was the reverse. He strongly depreciated anything being done as was the desire of the Greek Government, in secret, and he had the fullest confidence in the noble earl not consenting to any such proposal The Earl of CLARENDON said he was not surprised that the subject had been brought forward by the noble earl, but he felt no good result could be obtained by discussing it at that time at any length. It was a matter of the highest satisfaction for him to know that no blame whatever was attached to her Majesty's Government by the relatives of the unfortunate parties, or that it was thought that they had not done all that was in their power on that occasion to save the lives of the unfortunate captives. He felt he need hardly assure the noble lord that every effort had been made to prevent the fatal issue, but unfortunately without success. A. telegram had been received .that morning stating that seven of the Arvantaki brigands had been condemned to death after a long trial, but the other information at present in possession of the Government was by no means in a perfect state. There were many reports in circulation, one of which was to the effect that the servant of Count Boyl had made a statement criminating certain officials in Athens, but it appeared from a telegram received that day that the result of the explanation was quite the reverse. Her Majesty's Government were not at that moment in a position to state what was the extent of culpability of any person at Athens ; but with respect to the matters concerning the amnesty, he might say he had pressed upon the Greek Government to grant it, knowing that the violation of the Greek constitution was by no means a subject of rare occurrence. He had also to say that there had been an unwillingness on the part of the Government to allow any intervention on the part of this country in the trial of the prisoners ; but the latest information he had was that one out of the English lawyers had taken part in the investigation. The wisest course at present to pursue would be to allow • the investigations to close before coming to any final decision, as he could not in the present state of matters give in detail the instructions he had sent out. He might say that he had demanded that the inquiry should be thorough, complete, and searching—that it should be conducted with a total disregard of persons in whatever position they might be placed—(hear, hear),—and that he should be satisfied with nothing else on the part of the Greek Government. (Hear, hear.) After a few words from the Earl of Malmesbury, Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, and other peers, the subject dropped. The Attorneys' and Solicitors' Remuneration Bill was read a second time.  The Poor Relief Metropolis Bill passed through committee.  Their lordships adjourned at a quarter past seven.