HC Deb 21 May 1914 vol 62 cc2105-6
4. Sir J. D. REES

asked whether Mr. Eyres is to return to Constantinople in a month, notwithstanding his speech, which has given offence to the Turks; whether the Grand Vizier has complained of Mr. Eyres's speech to the Foreign Office; and, seeing that in these circumstances Mr. Eyres cannot be a useful and acceptable Consul - General at Constantinople, whether he will now inform the House what action is to be taken in regard to this matter, which touches the discipline and character of our Consular service and the feelings of a friendly nation?

Sir E. GREY

It is obvious that the report of the speech in question is a matter that has not been disregarded, as appears from the answer given last month, but the matter is still under consideration.

Mr. PONSONBY

Is not Consul-General Eyres an exceedingly capable official?

Sir E. GREY

Yes. He has had a long period of good service, it is quite true, but the report of the speech in question is a matter which cannot be disregarded in the special circumstances of the case of his present post.

Mr. AUBREY HERBERT

Was not the speech a purely private one, and not intended to be reported at all?

Sir E. GREY

I believe it was not intended to be reported, but once it was reported it became public property.

Sir J. D. REES

If I had understood that the speech was not intended to be reported I should not have questioned the right hon. Gentleman again. I was unaware of that.

Sir E. GREY

Oh, yes, that was the case, the misfortune arising from remarks which were never intended to be reported having been reported, and once reported they became public property, and we received representations from the Turkish Government on the subject.

Mr. AUBREY HERBERT

Would not some expression of regret on the part of Mr. Eyres go some way towards soothing Turkish feelings?

Sir E. GREY

I think the hon. Member will see by my statement that the matter is still under consideration that I meant to imply that it is a matter of some importance and delicacy, and the fact that the matter is still under consideration must be taken to mean that a definite solution has not yet been arrived at.