HC Deb 30 July 1913 vol 56 cc511-2
8. Mr. WHITEHOUSE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can contradict the statement that the outrages at the town of Kirkush, attributed by the King of Greece to Bulgarians, were as a fact the work of Greeks themselves?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)

The assertion that these outrages were committed by Bulgarians has, it is stated in the Greek Press, been confirmed by the superior of the French mission at Kirkush who has said that he was an eye witness of what occurred. The Bulgarian Government have since stated that these outrages were committed by Greeks.

9. Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what Reports have been received from His Majesty's Consuls of outrages by Turkish troops in Thrace; and whether His Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople has made any protest to the Sublime Porte in regard to the outrages at Rodosto and Airobol?

Mr. ACLAND

Reports from various sources have been received of outrages by Turkish troops in Thrace: I have also received from various sources reports of outrages by troops of other nationalities in various places. Charges and countercharges of this kind abound against different nationalities so that no nationality can be singled out as the only one to be reprobated, and in cases where the Reports seemed to be well founded they have been brought to the notice of the Turkish Government or of other Governments concerned. The question of the Turkish reoccupation of Thrace is under the consideration of the Powers, and His Majesty's Government do not propose to take separate action, but the Turkish Government have been warned in connection with the incursion of Turkish troops into Bulgaria, that we cannot be expected to protect them from the consequences that may come upon Turkey as the result of violent action on her part.

Mr. NOEL BUXTON

Will the Foreign Secretary kindly instruct His Majesty's Consuls to give any possible help in the work of relief as they have done during the past winter?

Mr. ACLAND

Yes, Sir, it is the fact that they have helped whenever they could during the past winter, and I think I should be quite right in assuming that they will continue to give such assistance as they can in the distribution of relief, even without special instructions.

Colonel YATE

Is it only in connection with the Turkish invasion of Bulgaria that a warning has been addressed to Turkey, and not in connection with their reoccupation of Thrace?

Mr. ACLAND

I should like to have that question put on the Paper.