HC Deb 30 April 1908 vol 187 cc1394-5
SIR EDWARD SASSOON

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, and, if so, to what extent, it would be open to the Government of the Porte to alienate any portion of the increased Customs duties sanctioned by the Powers in providing the kilometric guarantee now being sought by Germany for the purpose of the extension of the Bagdad Railway.

SIR EDWARD GREY

All revenue which the Turkish Government derives from the increased Customs duties is definitely appropriated to the Macedonian Budget. It is therefore not open to the Porte to alienate any portion of it.

MR. LYNCH (Yorkshire, W.R., Ripon)

asked if there was not an understanding with Germany as to what was to be done with the revenue thus set free.

SIR EDWARD GREY

I do not know anything about such an understanding, nor do I see anything in the Question about this particular revenue.

MR. BOWLES

was understood to ask to ask if it was not in the power of the Porte to dispose of any revenue arising from the increased Customs duties.

SIR EDWARD GREY

It can dispose of revenues as to which it is under no obligation.