HC Deb 17 November 1919 vol 121 cc604-5
34. Mr. BARTLEY DENNISS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any and what steps are-being taken to protect the Armenian population resident in Asia Minor from massacre and starvation?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on 29th October and 3rd November to similar questions regarding the Armenians in the Caucasus, which apply partly, at least, also to the Armenians in Asia Minor. Many thousands of these latter are temporarily refugees in the Caucasus at the present time. With regard more particularly to Asia Minor, His Majesty's High Commissioner at Constantinople continues to do all in his power, through relief officers appointed for the purpose, to secure the safety of the Armenians. Colonel Haskell, Allied High Commissioner for Armenia, has now reached Paris, and his report is doubtless under consideration.

Mr. DENNISS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a great responsibility will rest upon, this country if massacres occur?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Yes; I think probably that will rest upon all the Allied countries.

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