§ 26. Mr. WATERSONasked the Prime Minister whether the Greeks were allowed to occupy Smyrna before the presentation of the peace terms to Turkey; and, if so, whether such action is a breach of the spirit of the Armistice?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Greek Government were permitted by the Supreme Council to land troops at Smyrna in May, 1919, for the protection of their nationals. The peace terms were presented to Turkey in May, 1920. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. A. HERBERTAre the massacres perpetrated by the Greeks in harmony with the spirit of the Conference?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot accept the statement of my hon. Friend as to facts.
§ Mr. HERBERTWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the Report, when received, is published?
§ Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER (Mr.Whitley)That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.
55. Mr. MALONEasked the Prime Minister what are the terms of the Allied guarantees of assistance to Greece in her attacks on Turkey?
§ 28. Major GLYNasked the Prime Minister whether the Allied Powers have promised any military or naval support to the Greek Forces operating in Asia Minor; and whether the reinforcements being despatched to Constantinople and that area are not solely intended to be adequate to resist any attacks by Turkish Nationalists rather than to co-operate with the Greeks in any offensive operations?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe naval and military support afforded by the British 1002 is to be confined to that which is necessary to ensure the freedom of the Straits and the fulfilment of the Peace Terms. The reinforcements despatched to Constantinople are intended solely for that purpose.
§ Mr. BILLINGCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Allies are assisting in this matter, and whether it is with the idea of eventually arriving at Peace Terms with Turkey that it is being carried out?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Allies are, of course, assisting in resisting an attack.
§ Lord R. CECILWill the right hon. Gentleman say what "fulfilment of the Peace Terms" means?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt means what it says.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not admit the new War. The other question has already been answered.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we sure these troops have not been sent in order to facilitate the withdrawal of those who, are there at present?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI wish it were possible to have that object immediately in view.
Sir J. D. REESDid I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say "protection of the States"? What States?
Mr. MALONEHave the Greeks and Allies informed the Turks what they are fighting for in view of the fact that the Turks have not yet signed the Treaty?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think it is necessary. If someone attacks you, you do not need to explain to him why you hit him back.