18. Lieut. - Colonel W. GUINNESSasked whether certain Turks have been deported from Constantinople, Smyrna, and other places and held in captivity at Malta for 15 months; and whether it is proposed to bring them to trial?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODNo Turks were deported to Malta fifteen months ago. Two were interned there on 29th March, 1919; fifty-four on 2nd June; two on 23rd July; three on 28th July; five on 5th August; twelve on 21st September. The large majority are charged with being implicated in massacres and the ill-treatment of British prisoners of war. The question of their trial is under consideration.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSIs it not a fact that those interned Turks include the late commander of Smyrna, who was well known throughout the country for his considerate treatment of the British regiments in Smyrna?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have had no notice of any particular prisoner, but my general answer stands.
§ Captain REDMONDIs it contemplated to bring these Turks to trial?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIt is.
§ Captain REDMONDIs there to be one rule for a Turk and another for an Irishman?
§ Mr. AUBREY HERBERTIs no distinction to be made between those who treated us badly during the War and those who treated us well?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODAny Turk who can show that he has treated any British prisoners of war well will receive the gratitude of all of us.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGAre those Turks to be tried by a Turkish court at Constantinople?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe last sentence of my answer was, "The question of their trial is under consideration."