CAPTAIN FABER (Hampshire, Andover)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state whether the first proposal for a Conference of the European Powers came from Turkey to England; and whether the first object of the Conference will be to compensate Turkey for the infringement of her rights and to make such arrangements as will strengthen the new Government system in the Ottoman Empire.
§ MR. LYNCH (Yorkshire, W.R., Ripon)At the same time may I ask the Secretary of State for Foregn Affairs whether the proposals recommended by His Majesty's Government for submission to the contemplated Conference of the Powers were supported by or have received the approval of the newly-constituted Turkish Government; and whether he can state the nature of these proposals.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe object of the communications now taking place between the Powers is to secure some agreement on a programme which, without widening the area of disturbance, shall arrive at a settlement of the difficulties which have been created by recent events. As Turkey is the Power most adversely affected by what has taken place, His Majesty's Government trust that the first object of the Powers will be to secure compensation to Turkey, to safeguard her interests, and to strengthen the new regime in Turkey, the initiation of which produced such beneficial results in the administration of the Turkish Empire. The approval of the Turkish Government is a necessary 1354 condition for the adoption of any programme for a Conference, and as their views have not yet been expressed upon the suggestions which have been made, I can make no further statement about these. The proposal for a Conference was made in the first place by Turkey, but the idea of a Conference was suggested at about the same time from more than one quarter.
§ MR. LYNCHMay I ask whether, in view of the great importance of this subject, the right hon. Gentleman cannot see his way to make to Parliament a clear statement defining the proposals made by His Majesty's Government?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI think it would be premature to make any statement about the proposals of any individual Power. The object of the communications between the Powers, in which of course Turkey is included, is to ascertain their own views before making anything public.