HC Deb 28 July 1913 vol 56 c6
1. Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Bulgarian forces previously to the Treaty of London occupied a position of great strength opposite the Chatalja lines; and whether it was due to the pressure of the Powers that the Allies were obliged to accept the Enos-Midia line and withdraw from a position which could be held against the Turkish Army?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)

It is true that His Majesty's representative at Sofia was instructed to point out to the Bulgarian Government the advisability of withdrawing behind the Enos-Midia line as soon as his colleagues received similar instructions, but I am not aware that any such withdrawal was effected, nor am I competent to pronounce on the technical values of the positions in question.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Could my hon. Friend state what reply has been received from the Turkish Government concerning the representations made to them?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of this question.

Mr. NOEL BUXTON

Is it not a fact in regard to the Treaty of London that pressure was put upon the Allies to withdraw to a permanent frontier behind a line opposite Chatalja which they then held?

Mr. ACLAND

Yes, Sir, of course, there was a desire that the Treaty should be carried out.