Mr. MARK SYKESasked whether the Foreign Secretary has any official information regarding the events which took place in Beyrut during and after the time Italian warships were engaged in sinking two Turkish warships in Beyrut Harbour; whether the action of the Italian warships endangered the lives or property of British subjects; and whether such action has had a prejudicial effect on the security of 1517 British residents and native Christians in Syria and Palestine?
§ Mr. ACLANDI am informed by His Majesty's Consul-General that, during the sinking of the Turkish warships, the Ottoman Bank, the Salonica Bank, the Customs House, and an hotel were damaged by shells. The buildings hit are on the quay near the harbour, and the damage done to them is entirely connected with the sinking of the Turkish vessels, which replied to the Italian fire. His Majesty's Consul-General has reported no injury to British subjects, and states that the civil and military authorities acted promptly to prevent disorder. His Majesty's Consul-General, who was consulted as to whether the presence of a British vessel was advisable, has replied that it is unnecessary and that the town is quiet.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked whether the attention of the Foreign Secretary has been called to the fact that four Turkish lighthouses on barren islands in the middle of the Red Sea, right in the track of vessels going to and from India, have, owing to the Italian war, been extinguished since October; and whether the right hon. Gentleman has made any and, if so, what representations to the Turkish Government on the subject?
§ Mr. ACLANDI am aware of the extinction of the lights in question. The question of relighting the Turkish lights in the Red Sea was interdependent with a proposal for the exclusion of those waters from the area of hostilities. His Majesty's Government endeavoured to facilitate negotiations between the two Governments, who were, however, unable to arrive at an agreement upon this matter. The lights have in consequence remained extinguished except during the passage of Their Majesties in the "Medina" through the Red Sea. His Majesty's Government have sought by all proper means to bring about such an arrangement as would enable the lights to be relighted, and have expressed the hope that this might be possible. But the Ottoman Government have, of course, the right to extinguish the lights in their territorial waters, if they consider such action necessary to guard their national interests and ensure their safety.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the Government continue to exercise what pressure they can?
§ Mr. ACLANDI will communicate with my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. HOLTAs the Turkish Government still charge English shipowners for these lights, can the Secretary for Foreign Affairs bring pressure to bear upon the Turkish Government by protesting against the charge?