§ 52. Mr. LAWSONasked the Prime Minister with regard to the settlement of Kurdestan and Upper Mesopotamia, whether the creation of an independent Kurdestan is under consideration; whether it will include all the Kurdish tribes assigned under previous agreements to the French and British zones; and whether the interests both of the Kurds and of the various sects of Assyrian Christians will be safeguarded?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe whole question of the future of Kurdestan is at present being considered by the Peace Conference, who fully realise the necessity for safeguarding the interests both of the Kurds and of the various sects of the Assyrian Christians.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhen may we have a statement of policy with regard to Mesopotamia in this House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think the House has been informed, so far as the Government are concerned, that it is not advisable to give any statement or details until the Treaty as a whole can be submitted.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the Kurds have now any representative either in Paris or in this country who is recognised as speaking for the Kurds at present?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot answer that question without notice, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the question of Kurdestan is one of those which are most deeply absorbing the attention of the Allied representatives.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhen do the Allies expect to come to a decision?