Smyrna (Evacuation)
19.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date the Greek troops had evacuated Smyrna; on what date the Turkish cavalry entered Smyrna; and whether the evidence of witnesses is to the effect that the fire in the Armenian quarters was started by Turkish soldiers?
According to the information of His Majesty's Government, the Greek troops completed the evacuation of Smyrna on the evening of 8th September. Turkish cavalry entered Smyrna at 11 a.m. on the next day. The evidence of reliable witnesses is to the effect that the fire was started by Turkish soldiers.
Ex-Sultan Of Turkey
21.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the British Government to keep the late Sultan of Turkey at a cost of £100 per week?
33.
asked the Prime Minister if the deposed ex-Sultan of Turkey is in receipt of monetary assistance from His Majesty's Government; and, if so, from what fund and what is his private income?
The question of the extent to which His Majesty's Government should bear unavoidable expenditure caused by the Sultan's temporary accommodation in Malta is at present under consideration. Inquiry is being made on the subject of the Sultan's private resources, on which His Majesty's Government at present have no information.
When it comes about that he is receiving financial assistance, will he sign the unemployment register before he receives the dole?
Fifteen shillings a week and 1s. for each wife.
Non-Turkish Population
81.
asked the Prime Minister what measures His Majesty's Government is taking, in view of the present menance to the lives and property of the non-Turkish population of Constantinople and of the responsibilities of the Allies in the matter, to assist in the evacuation of the threatened population by the provision of transport facilities or otherwise?
The subject raised in this question is one of the very important points now being discussed at Lausanne, and it is not possible for me at present to make any definite statement.
Can the hon. Gentleman say whether assista7ice in removing refugees will be given as adequately as was given at Smyrna?
I cannot say. All I can say is that the matter is being carefully considered.
Have our naval authorities instructions to act in case of massacre, so that they may be able to take people away if cases similar to those which occurred in Smyrna should arise?
I cannot say definitely what instructions have been given to the naval authorities, but all possible steps with the fleet at our disposal are being taken to that end.
32.
asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Angora Government to expel all non-Turkish women and children from Anatolia, while conscribing for military service all males between 18 and 45; whether he can give the House any additional information upon this subject; and what steps His Majesty's Government proposes to take both to prevent the execution of this policy and also to remove to a place of safety the many thousands of non-Turks who are gathering in the Anatolian seaports under threat of expulsion?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the second part, His Majesty's Government do not consider the present moment, while delicate negotiations are in progress, suitable for the publication of further information on this subject. In regard to the third and fourth parts, these matters are at present receiving urgent attention at Lausanne.
Would the Government approach the British Dominions with a view to finding places of destination for the refugees?
Naval And Military Expenditure
27.
asked the Prime Minister what additional expenditure over and above the original Estimates has been incurred to date in connection with the Near Eastern crisis and the naval and military demonstrations against the Turkish Nationalist forces; and whether it is intended to introduce a Supplementary Estimate?
The additional expenditure incurred to date is estimated at £2,475,000. It will be necessary to lay Supplementary Estimates before the House next Session.
May I ask the Prime Minister whether all the Papers relative to the Near Eastern situation will be laid before the Supplementary Estimates, so that we may have full information?
Supplementary Estimates will not be until next Session. I hope that by that time one can safely lay all the necessary Papers.
How is it that when we want two battle cruisers to go to Rio for the exhibition at a cost of half a million sterling—
That question does not arise.
29.
asked the Prime Minister whether any Estimate has been framed by the Cabinet as to the weekly cost of military, naval, and air forces now involved in the Dardanelles, including the cost of victualling and coaling; and, if so, what is the weekly cost?
The additional cost now being incurred week by week (exclusive of initial and terminal charges) is estimated at £63,500.
League Of Nations
39.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider as to the advisability of immediately submitting the Turkish question to the League of Nations for settlement in accordance with Article 17 of the Covenant?
Article 17 of the Covenant of the League is intended to apply to cases where it may be possible to prevent the outbreak of hostilities, and not to a war actually engaged. A conference of the belligerents concerned is now being held at Lausanne, with the object of bringing to a final conclusion the negotiations for a settlement in the Near East which were begun at the general Peace Conference. I fear that at present no useful purpose could be served by the intervention of the League of Nations.
Attack On British Officer, Ingoldstadt
20.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention drawn to the attack reported to have been made and organised upon a British officer member of the Allied Commission of Control at Ingoldstadt; and whether he can make any statement upon it?
I have been asked to answer this question. I can only say at present that the attention of the Government has been drawn to this incident and that the steps to be taken in the matter are under consideration.
Will it be made quite clear by the Government that any further attacks upon British officers will not be tolerated?
Certainly.
Rabbits Bill
22.
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he intends to introduce this Session of Parliament the Rabbits Bill, which was printed and introduced during the last Session of the late Parliament?
The answer is in the negative.
Agricultural Produce (Prices)
24.
asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to investigate the exact extent and character of the intermediate charges upon milk and other agricultural produce between the farm and the home, so as to ensure the fair treatment both of producer and consumer?
36.
asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the discrepancies between the prices paid to producers and those charged to consumers; whether he is aware of the existence of profiteering by middlemen; and if it is the intention of the Government to take steps to put a stop to this practice which imposes additional burdens on the people?
42.
asked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to set up a Select Committee to inquire into the causes of the discrepancy between the prices of wheat and bread and of cattle and meat; and, if so, when that Select Committee will be appointed?
46.
asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a Committee with the fullest powers possible to inquire into the question of the price of foodstuffs?
I am proposing to a Departmental Committee to into the methods and cost of and distributing agricultural, horticultural and dairy produce and to consider whether and, if so, by what means, the disparity between the price secured by the producer and that paid by the consumer may be diminished. The matter is one of great complexity and I think an enquiry by means of a Departmental Committee is more likely to lead to useful results than if it were made by a Select Committee of this House. The exact terms of reference and the composition of the Committee will be announced with as little delay as possible.
In view of the great dissatisfaction in the country in regard to this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman set up the Departmental Committee at the earliest date?
He said so.
When docs the right hon. Gentleman propose to set it up?
I assume that this will have reference to England and docs not include Scotland?
I should not dare to include Scotland.
Germany (Allied Occupation)
25.
asked the Prime Minister whether any bargain or arrangement has been made whereby, in return for French support in the Near East question, we undertake to retain British troops on the Rhine and to countenance continued Allied occupation of German territory in those parts?
The answer is in the negative.
Ministry Of Pensions
26.
asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to appoint an Under-Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions?
Whether an Under-Secretary is necessary is now under consideration, but I am not yet able to announce a decision.
Will the right Gentleman be able to tell the House when my Amendment is reached?
I do not see that my right hon. Friend's Amendment is affected by this question, but I hope to be able to answer it on Friday.
Inter-Allied Debts
28.
asked the Prime Minister whether any suggestions have been made by either the French Government or by Signor Mussolini to include in the discussion at Lausanne the question of inter-Allied debts; and whether the House can be assured that His Majesty's Government still stand by the Balfour Note on this subject?
50.
asked the Prime Minister whether the Balfour Note still represents the policy of His Majesty's Government?
The answer to the first part of Question No. 28 is in the negative. So fair no formal discussion with our Allies has taken place on the subject of reparations; and when it does the Government will be free to consider the question in all its aspects.
are we to understand from that answer that this Government does hold itself open to revise the policy laid down in the Balfour Note in regard to inter-Allied debts?
It does mean that we are perfectly free to reconsider the question in all its aspects.
Has the Government yet considered the question?
My answer implied that it had not yet been considered.
Will the right hon. Gentleman not be intimidated by the fact that the Labour party alone support the Balfour Note?
As I do not quite follow the hon. Member's question, I cannot reply.
International Treaties
30.
asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to submit for the consideration and approval of this House all international obligations which may be incurred by this country by means of treaties, agreements, understandings, or conversations with the Government of any foreign Power?
34.
asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of a treaty or other international understanding being entered into between the Powers now conferring at Lausanne, the same will be submitted to the House of Commons for discussion and approval prior to its ratification?
44.
asked the Prime Minister whether an early opportunity will be given to this House to discuss the question of submitting to this House before ratification all treaties with a foreign Power or Powers involving the potential use of the armed forces of the Crown; and whether an early opportunity will be given to this House to discuss the desirability of all conventions, agreements, or understandings of any kind involving the potential use of the armed forces of the Crown being regarded as invalid unless submitted to, and approved by, this House after the fullest discussion?
I realise the desirability of keeping Parliament as fully informed as possible of any obligations into which His Majesty's Government may enter by means of treaties or other similar engagements; but I am not prepared to commit myself to the grave constitutional change proposed by the hon. Members, which is particularly unsuitable to be dealt with in the way of question and answer.
Will the Prime Minister allow a day in the course of the Session for the discussion of this most important matter?
I certainly cam or promise a day during this Session, but if we live there will be plenty of opportunities later.
45.
asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to place upon the Table of this House the text of any existing treaties, conventions, arrangements, or understandings of any kind whatsoever with a foreign Power or Powers, committing this country in obligations involving war, or which may be open lo such interpretation, and of which this House and the country have at present no knowledge?
The object desired by the hon. Member is attained by Article 18 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, to which His Majesty's Government have strictly conformed. I know of no other unpublished treaties or similar engagements, to which His Majesty's Government are a party, which involve this country in such obligations as those to which the hon. Member refers.
Iraq (Aircraft Action)
35.
asked the Prime Minister whether the Royal Air Force, or any part of it, or any force of aircraft under the control of British authorities, is or has been engaged in en-forcing or attempting to enforce upon any part of the population of the mandated territory of Iraq the payment of taxes, either by bomb-dropping or otherwise; if so, whether the British Government has concurred in the taking of such measures; if not, whether, under the existing constitution of that territory, it would be possible for such measures to be taken without the knowledge of the British Government; whether he is in a position to make a full statement upon the matter; and, if not, whether he will order a full inquiry and lay the results upon the Table of this House?
There is no foundation for any suggestion that bomb dropping or other offensive action by aircraft is resorted to in Iraq or any other area for the purpose of enforcing payment of taxes or in punishment for non-payment. The normal duties of aircraft in Iraq are those of patrol and communication. Offensive action is in no case undertaken except in reply to open and armed defiance of the administration or to attacks upon the native police forces of a kind which would otherwise necessitate expeditions by ground units. Such action, when undertaken, is under sole control of the British authorities, acting at the request of the Arab Government. In order to give every opportunity to the tribes concerned to submit to the Government, explicit warnings are habitually issued to them before any air action is taken, and these warnings, even when they do not lead to immediate submission, enable the inhabitants to withdraw from the area selected. The result is that casualties have been few.
I am assured that the use of aircraft under these conditions has achieved insults at least equal to those obtainable by ground expeditions and at a smaller toll of life and property. The reports received show that the number of cases in which the mere threat of air action is sufficient to bring about the desired result far exceeds the occasions where offensive air action is found to be actually necessary, and the High Commissioner reports that it is no exaggeration to say that air action amongst the Euphrates tribes has saved far more human lives than it has destroyed by restoring order and preventing inter-tribal fighting. The Secretary of State is in communication with the High Commissioner on the whole subject, and as soon as full details have been received the matter will be exhaustively reviewed by His Majesty's Government.