HC Deb 15 May 1919 vol 115 cc1736-7
Mr. HIGHAM (by Private Notice)

asked the Leader of the House whether the Government is aware of the fact that the summary of the Austrian and Turkish peace terms were known in London yesterday, that the details of the draft treaty have been freely discussed by members of the general public; and, further, is it a fact that a large part of Asia Minor will be divided between Greece and Italy; and whether Greece has insisted that a strip of Turkish territory shall separate her from Italy's share of Asia Minor; and whether this and other details of the treaty which may materially affect the peace of Europe within a few years should be discussed in London before this House has had an opportunity of seeing them?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is quite impossible for me to say anything at present about the proposed terms of peace with Austria and Turkey. No summary of these terms can possibly have reached London, for they have not yet been settled by the Allies.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Whether the summary that was circulated in London was authentic or not, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Members of this House shall see the summary when it is here on the same evening as that on which it is issued to the Press?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is a very reasonable request, and I shall see that it is done, if possible. I believe there is sometimes a little difficulty, because when we wish it to appear in the Press in the morning of a particular day it might not be possible to give it to the House of Commons on the evening preceding.