§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked whether the right hon. Gentleman will state what right or title Turkey has to the barren islands in the Red Sea other than occupancy; whether, as her sole occupancy consisted of lighting them, now she has ceased to light she has any right to retain control of the islands; and, whether, in the interests of British shipping, His 517 Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of taking, at all events, temporary possession of the islands and relight them in the event of Turkey declining to carry out her international obligations in this respect.
§ Sir E. GREYThe right or title of Turkey to the islands in proximity to the Arabian coast of the Red Sea has, so far as I am aware, never been questioned. As the hon. Member was informed in answer to his question of 29th February, 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. In answer to the last part of the question there can be no question of any such action on the part of His Majesty's Government as that suggested by the hon. Member without a departure from neutrality.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that complaints have arisen in regard to British shipping, and will he press more strenuously for the relighting of the islands?
§ Sir E. GREYI am quite aware that inconvenience has been caused, but I am afraid it is impossible, so widespread as British shipping interests are, for war to occur in any part of the world without some inconvenience being caused. I did, in the earlier stages of the war, make certain suggestions, in the hope that some arrangement might be come to for the neutrality of the Red Sea, but it was found impossible then. Of course, if an opportunity does arise by which the lights can be re-established, we shall avail ourselves of it.