§ Mr. DAVID MASONasked whether the conversations on the subject of the Bagdad Railway which have taken place with both 2053 Turkey and Germany at various intervals in the last few years are likely to lead to a definite conclusion at an early date?
§ Sir E. GREYNo concrete proposals are at present before His Majesty's Government, and as this is a matter in which the initiative necessarily rests with one or both of the Powers named in the hon. Member's question, I am unable to express an opinion.
§ Mr. DAVID MASONMay I ask is it the case that according to a "Ceneral News" telegram Sir G. A. Lowther, the British Ambassador to Turkey, stated to the Porte that Great Britain could not enter upon negotiations respecting the Bagdad Railway so long as Turkey failed to recognise the British Protectorate of Koweit?
§ Sir E. GREYWe have made no statement of the kind. What we have said is that we are prepared to consider proposals whenever proposals are put before us.
§ Mr. FELLIf there are any maps or plans of the proposed Bagdad Railway showing how it is constructed, perhaps it would be possible to display them in the tea room or elsewhere?
§ Sir E. GREYI will look into that. I must remind the hon. Member that the Bagdad Railway is a German concession in Turkish territory, and I cannot say what plans there are.