HC Deb 17 July 1913 vol 55 cc1404-5
1. Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the claim of Greece and Servia that the population of the province of Monastir is Greek and Serb is confirmed by Consular Reports?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)

The answer is in the negative.

2. Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the disputable nature of the claims made to Macedonia, and of the fact that Greece and Servia are claiming large districts inhabited by Bulgars, he will urge that the question of establishing an autonomous State for Macedonia, on the lines of that established for Albania, shall be considered by the Great Powers?

Sir E. GREY

As far as I can judge the proposal made by the hon. Member would not, under present circumstances, receive support or be a practicable solution.

Mr. DAVID MASON

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any further information with regard to the movements of Turkish troops across the frontier line?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.

Mr. KING

Will the Foreign Secretary be able at an early date to make any statement upon the subject?

Sir E. GREY

I made a pretty wide statement the other day. I have given the House all the information I can. I think it very undesirable, especially as we are not one of the parties most concerned, to make much more frequently than other Governments wide statements on the whole question.

3. Mr. WALTER GUINNESS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statement issued by the Bulgarian Legation that the Bulgarian Government are prepared to submit the whole matter of atrocities alleged to have been corn-mated by the Bulgarian armies to an international inquiry; whether, in accordance with this suggestion, he will advise the appointment of an International Commission, not so much to inquire into the responsibility for past excesses, but rather to advise as to how their occurrence may be prevented, and as to what steps should be taken to resettle the Balkan population, with adequate security for their lives and liberties and with means to restock their land?

Sir E. GREY

I have seen a statement of the nature described in the public Press, but I have received no request from the Bulgarian Government to take any step of the nature indicated by the hon. Member. There are certain aspects of this question that have occupied, and probably will occupy, the attention of the Powers, but it is doubtful whether they will or can intervene as between Bulgarians, Greeks and Servians; in the case of some minorities of other religions or nationalities than these it may be possible in certain parts of the Balkan peninsula to make special stipulations.

Mr. GUINNESS

Is it not a fact that in Crete assistance was given by international means to those who were affected by the troubles there, and the peasants were reinstated in their holdings?

Sir E. GREY

I could not answer that without notice.