HC Deb 13 November 1911 vol 31 cc3-6
Mr. MARK SYKES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any persons had been arrested in Egypt for endeavouring to join the Turkish forces in Tripoli; and, if so, would he state whether these persons were Ottoman or Egyptian subjects?

Mr. ACLAND

I will inquire.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what steps he had taken to ascertain the truth as to the alleged atrocities by the Italian troops in Tripoli; whether he had yet received any Report from the British Consul-General in Tripoli on the subject; and, if not, whether he would telegraph instructions for an immediate report?

Mr. ACLAND

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Mayo on the 9th instant.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

If the Secretary of State does not make any inquiries with reference to alleged breaches of the Convention which we have entered into with Italy regarding the laws and customs of war, how does he propose to enforce the terms of that Convention?

Mr. ACLAND

As has been previously stated, we cannot undertake to obtain or publish information except when British subjects are concerned. It would, of course, be a matter of great and general regret if in any war any belligerent did not observe the rules of war agreed upon in international conventions, but unless they are prepared to intervene in the war, the neutral powers cannot undertake to investigate or control the military operations of either belligerent.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Has any report on the subject yet been received from the British Consul-General in Tripoli?

Mr. ACLAND

It is no part of the duty of the British Consul-General in Tripoli to report, on the military operations.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

But has he reported?

Mr. SILVESTER HORNE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of the Italian Government was called to the Eighth Article of the Treaty of Paris, 1856, stating that if a dispute should arise between the Sublime Porte and one or more of the signatory Powers, which menaced the maintenance of good relations, the Sublime Porte and each of these Powers, before having recourse to the employment of force, would afford the other contracting parties an opportunity of averting this extremity by their mediation; and whether the Italian Government had offered any justification for its breach of the Treaty of Paris?

Mr. ACLAND

No appeal to the Treaty of Paris was made by Turkey or Italy before war began. At the time of the declaration of war, the Italian Government stated their grievances against the Turkish Government, but without reference to the Treaty of Paris.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked whether there are any British military representatives attached to the Italian army in Tripoli?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Tennant)

The British Military Attaché to the Embassy at Borne is understood to be at Tripoli, having gone to the area of operations at the invitation of the Italian Government.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Has the War Office any Military Attaché with the Turkish Army?

Mr. TENNANT

It is understood the War Office does not send Military Attachés. In this case, the Military Attaché went on the invitation of the Italian Government.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Has any invitation been received from the Turks?

Mr. TENNANT

I am not aware of that. I should like notice of that question.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have yet received any report as to the shooting of a Maltese British subject at Tripoli?

Mr. ACLAND

I only received notice of the question an hour ago. My recollection of the case is that we have obtained information that a Maltese fisherman was shot under these circumstances. Under the regulations issued under martial law which prevail there, persons are supposed to be in their homes between 9 p.m. and sunrise. This fisherman was abroad during those hours; he was challenged by the sentry and asked to stop seven times—the regulation being that there should be a challenge three times, and, having been challenged seven times and not stopping, he was shot.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Can the hon. Gentleman say on whose authority it is stated that the man was challenged seven times?

Mr. ACLAND

The authority is the report made by our Consul-General?

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Was he an eye witness?

Mr. ACLAND

It is no part of the duties of His Majesty's Consuls-General to be present at military operations conducted by other Powers, or to keep watch on the line of sentries.