HC Deb 18 December 1919 vol 123 cc653-4
62. Captain ORMSBY-GORE

asked the Prime Minister whether any further decisions were reached at the recent inter-Allied discussions in London with regard to the situation in Syria; whether the Allies agreed to the requests put to the French Government by His Highness the Emir Feisal; and whether he can make a statement regarding the international tension in Syria?

THE PRIME MINISTER

The situation in Syria is a part of the larger question of the future of Turkey, arrangements for the examination and settlement of which were discussed at the recent meetings in London. Conversations between the French Government and the Emir Feisal are proceeding in Paris, and have not yet reached a termination. I am happy to say that in consequence of these conversations and of the military arrangements between the British and French Governments, the tension in Syria has sensibly relaxed.

Lord R. CECIL

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the possibility of concluding a Treaty with Turkey quite apart from what will ultimately happen to parts of the Turkish Empire which will no longer belong to them?

THE PRIME MINISTER

I am afraid that would be very difficult. The question of Asia Minor is a very difficult question. Then there is the question of Constantinople. There we have certainly experienced difficulty in coming to any conclusion in this most complicated problem.