HC Deb 03 December 1906 vol 166 c586
MR. WEDGWOOD

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, at the recent massacre at Karajovo, many of the assailants wore Turkish uniforms; that, though within sight of the flames of the burning village, the Turkish troops in the neighbourhood offered no assistance to its peaceful inhabitants; and, if the Answer to these Questions be in the affirmative, whether Ill's Majesty's Government will reconsider their decision to consent to an increase in the Customs duties levied upon British imports into Turkey for the purpose of defraying the cost of the Turkish troops in Macedonia.

MR. RUNCIMAN

It is stated in the report, which we have received, that some of the assailants disguised themselves as Turkish soldiers in order not to arouse the suspicions of the villagers; and that the Turkish troops, who were stationed at neighbouring villages, saw and heard nothing at the time of the massacre. There is no connection between those Questions and the proposed increase in the Turkish Customs duties. My right hon. friend cannot make any statement about the latter, which is still under consideration. But if it be agreed to, my right hon. friend thinks the hon. Member will see when Papers are published that the last line of his Question is not a fair statement of the main purposes which the Powers have had in view.

MR. WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Papers are likely to be laid?

MR. RUNCIMAN

I am afraid I cannot make any statement at present.