§ 52. Mr. A. HERBERTasked the Prime Minister whether he has repeatedly stated that the Dardanelles should be neutralised; and if, in view of these solemn statements, he will explain why Greek naval forces have been allowed to pass through these neutral waters and bombard open Turkish towns?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs regards the status of the Dardanelles, the Prime Minister gave my hon. Friend a full reply on 18th April. The provisions of the Treaty of Sevres for guaranteeing the freedom of the Straits do not contemplate-the exclusion of the warships of any Power from navigating those waters. There could accordingly be no question, even if the Treaty were already operating, of preventing the passage of Greek men-of-war.