PEACE NEGOTIATIONS.

HC Deb 04 December 1919 vol 122 cc549-50

17. Mr. G. THORNE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether negotiations for Peace with Turkey have yet commenced; and, if not, whether he can state when these negotiations will be opened?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The nature of the terms to be imposed on Turkey has been the subject of frequent discussion among the Allied representatives at Paris. For reasons with which the House is familiar, it has not yet been found possible to proceed definitely with the negotiations. His Majesty's Government are anxious, and have, indeed, proposed, that they should be taken up with the least possible delay.

Captain ORMSBY-GORE

Are these negotiations going to be resumed in Paris?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

That point is under discussion.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Does the hon. Gentleman think it would be possible to declare the War at an end before this Treaty is made?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me notice of that question.

19. Lieut. - Colonel W. GUINNESS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any date and place have yet been fixed for reopening negotiations as to peace with Turkey?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The matter is under discussion between the Allied Powers.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

When may we have some statement of policy with regard to Turkey?

37. Major GLYN

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government can make any statement in regard to the present situation in Afghanistan and Kurdistan; whether there has been any reason to believe that recent unrest has been greatly augmented by the activities of the agents of the committee of the Union of Progress; whether the present Government at Constantinople are aware of the action of the Young Turk party in organising trouble, especially against the British Empire; and whether, in view of the admitted necessity of concluding an early peace with Turkey, and basing our claim upon the predominant part played by the British Empire in bringing about, the defeat of Turkey, the British Government can at once open negotiations with the Ottoman Government in London, and no longer await the indefinite commencement of peace negotiations in Paris?

The PRIME MINISTER

I cannot make any statement on this subject at present.

55. Colonel P. WILLIAMS

asked whether it is intended to make the expenditure of £21,000 per day on the Black Sea Army a charge upon Turkey under the treaty to be negotiated with that country?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is impossible to discuss by question and answer the possible terms of peace with Turkey.