§ 49. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the 1491 present state of affairs in Asia Minor between the Greeks, Italians, French, Armenians, and Arabs, he could see his way to make a clear statement of our general obligations to our French and Arab Allies and as to what protection we could afford to Christian and Moslem minorities?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot add anything to the answers which have already been given on this subject.
§ Earl WINTERTONMay I ask whether the difficulty of answering these questions within the limits of a Parliamentary answer does not reinforce the request that this House should have an opportunity of discussing the whole situation?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, certainly; it does reinforce the request. It is a question simply of whether it is wise. The Government are quite ready to do what the House wishes in the matter.
§ Captain ORMSBY-GOREIs it not a fact that the Syrian question has been discussed in the French Chamber with great advantage to the Allies and to an understanding between France and this country?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas it not also been fully debated in the Congress of the North American Republic?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI believe it has been debated, but I should not agree with my hon. Friend that the discussion on Syria was altogether advantageous.