HC Deb 24 March 1920 vol 127 cc400-1
45. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed that the area of occupation of the Greeks in Asia Minor should be extended; whether promises of military and financial support to the Greek Government have been made by His Majesty's Government in the event of a renewed conflict between Greece and Turkey; and why the Report of the Inter-Allied Commission of Inquiry into the massacres following the occupation of Smyrna by Greek forces on 15th May, 1919, has not been laid on the Table of the House, in view of the fact that a summary of this Report was published on 18th March last?

Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)

I am unable to give information about the area of occupation of the Greeks in Asia Minor, as this whole question is under consideration, in connection with the Peace Treaty. Apart from any natural obligations she may have as an ally during the continuance of a state of war, Great Britain is bound by no secret agreements with Greece. As regards the publication of the Report of the Inter-Allied Commission of Inquiry, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on Monday last by the Prime Minister to my Noble Friend the Member for Horsham and Worthing.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that, since that reply, this has been published in leading daily papers in this country, and is it treating the House with respect not to lay the authentic document on the Table?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am not at all sure that what has been published is an authentic document, but in any case there is a difference between the Government taking the responsibility of issuing a document in which our Allies are concerned and its finding its way surreptitiously for publication.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Can I have an answer to the second part of my question— whether promises of military and financial support to the Greek Government have been made by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have answered that question clearly and specifically. We have come under no obligations of any kind.