§ 29. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister what is the present military position in Asia Minor; whether the Greek troops have evacuated Is mid and other strategic positions; whether there is reason to think that they may do so; and, if so, whether the Allied and Associated Powers are in a position to maintain these positions and to guarantee the defence of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo change has been manifested in the military situation in Asia Minor consequent on the Greek Elections. Greek troops have not evacuated Ismid and other strategic positions. There are no indications at present that they may do so, but their future actions will no doubt be in accordance with the attitude of the new Greek Government. The necessary measures for ensuring the security of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, in the event of a Greek withdrawal, are being considered by His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. T. SHAWIs there any truth in the statement that Kemalist Turks have allied with the Bolsheviks, and consequently made a profound modification in the condition of things in Asia Minor?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI must have notice of that question. It is not very clear what is happening in that quarter, and, although I have gone into it myself, I am not quite convinced by the evidence on either side.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIs it true that the new Greek Government have dismissed the Greek Commander-in-Chief at Smyrna, and put in his place someone who is very unfriendly to this country?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.