HC Deb 02 March 1920 vol 126 cc246-7
49. Mr. AUBREY HERBERT

asked the Prime Minister if the Allied Governments will consent to the publication of the Report of the Commission on the events following the Greek landing in Smyrna; and, if not, will he state the reason?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is considered that the publication of the Report would increase the difficulties connected with the Smyrna situation.

Mr. HERBERT

Will my right hon. Friend consider whether this House is not deserving of being put into possession of that information, which every native in Smyrna has got?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I was not aware that the natives of Smyrna had that information. I do not believe the report which has been circulated.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

In view of the varying accounts of what took place, would it not be much better to say that we should have an authentic report of what actually took place?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer which I have given expresses the view of the Government. In the meantime, in view of the difficulties connected with a settlement of Smyrna, the publication of this Report is not advisable.

Earl WINTERTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the decision come to by H.M. Government and the Allied Governments not to publish the Report an alleged account of the incident has been issued by Moslem propagandists and has been distributed throughout the Moslem world, and does that not affect the decision originally come to by the Allied Governments?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I was not aware of what my Noble Friend has said; but if it is the case that incorrect statements are being circulated to the Moslem world, it is only right that we should consider it.

Earl WINTERTON

I will send the right hon. Gentleman a copy.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of Members of this House have received an account, sent them from Moslem sources, regarding these atrocities, and we do not know whether they are true or false?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That may be so, but it does not affect the wisdom of the Government's decision. The settlement of Smyrna is one of the things that is being decided now by the Supreme Council, and in the view of the Allies the publication of that report would make the position of the Allies more difficult.