§ 8. Mr. CAIRNSasked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has any knowledge of fresh massacres of Armenians by Turks and Tartars in Asia Minor and the Caucasus; and whether he can give any information on the matter?
Mr. HARMSWORHRecent disturbances in the Mosul area have resulted in the murder of a number of Christians, some of whom, at least, were probably Armenians. Massacres of Armenians in the Caucasus are reported, but have not, so far, been confirmed. There can, I am afraid, be no doubt that the present position of the Armenians is very far from satisfactory, and His Majesty's Government are anxious to see their future deter mined and a mandatory Power, if there is to be one, appointed at the earliest possible date.
§ Colonel YATEWould it not be better to maintain the garrison in those territories until this question has been settled?
§ Mr. F. THOMSONIs it not the case that the Allied Representatives in Armenia stated that, if the troops of occupation are withdrawn, massacres of the Christians on a large scale may be immediately expected?