§ 1. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Anglo-Persian Oil Company has negotiated the exclusive rights to drill for oil over the whole of Macedonia with the Greek Government; whether the concession includes the oil rights in Thrace; whether the future of Thrace is one of the subjects under discussion between the Greek, Turkish and Allied Governments; and Whether diplomatic support was given to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company in negotiating this concession?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)The answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative. With regard to the third part, the frontiers of Eastern Thrace will no doubt be one of the subjects which will be discussed in the general settlement of the Near Eastern question. With regard to the fourth part of the question, His Majesty's Government accorded to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, in their negotiations with the Greek Government, the usual support, is always given to reputable British firms in their negotiations with foreign Governments.
Lieut.-Commander KEN WORTHYWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman, might I ask him to make it quite clear whether any oil concession has been given for lands which are now in dispute between the Greeks and the Turks and which are being decided by the Allies in consultation—at least, I hope so—at the present time?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHMy information is that no concession has been discussed or arranged in connection with Thrace, or any part of it.