§ 25. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether any further steps have been taken to bring about a peace between Greece and Turkey; whether a conference or armistice, or both, has been arranged between the belligerents; and whether His Majesty's Government has made it clear to the Greek Government that a continuance of hostilities in Asia Minor will be looked upon with disfavour?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Lloyd George)In regard to the first part of the question, negotiations tie still proceeding between His Majesty s Government and their Allies, and I can add nothing to the statements which have recently been made. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. In regard to the third part of the question, the views of His Majesty's Government on this subject are perfectly well known to both 'belligerents, but, since the armistice proposed by the Allies last March was accepted by the Greeks and not by the Turks, further representa- 1657 tions to the former in the sense suggested would appear to be somewhat out of place.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this may be known to the two belligerents, but it is certainly not known in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERindicated dissent.
§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNORDid not Greece many months ago declare her readiness to accept terms of peace, and has not the delay come from the recalcitrance of the Angora Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot deal with a controversial subject like this in the course of question and answer, but if the subject were raised in Debate I should state my views.
§ 32. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether he has any information of an attempt to set up an independent Greek State in Smyrna and district, under the protection of the Greek army; and whether it has been made clear to the Greek Government that any such action will receive the disapproval of His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNORBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask whether the papers have not contained reports of deputations representing all the different communities in Smyrna, Jewish, Mahommedan, Armenian and Greek, approving of the administration of the present High Commissioner, and begging that it should be continued and will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government contemplate handing back the country to the Turks, with the risk of plunder and massacre to the population there, which is now satisfied and well governed under the present rule?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe have no official information with regard to the first part of the question put by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division (Mr. O'Connor), but. I understand that a memorial of that kind has been received. 1658 With regard to the second part of the hon. Member's question, I could not give an answer which would not be of a highly controversial nature, and it is a subject which is not suitable for question and answer across the Floor of the House. If the question is raised in debate, a reply will be given to it.
According to such information as Majesty's Government possess, the recent Greek measures in Asia Minor do not constitute Ionia into an independent Slate, although some degree of local autonomy appears to have been established, and promises have been made to protect the local Christians from deportation and massacre. Fuller details are awaited.
In view of the fact that any action taken by the Greeks at present is, obviously, subject to the provisions of a final settlement, no representations to the Greek Government on the part of His Majesty's Government appear to be called for.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a movement is on foot to imitate the example of d' Annunzio and Zilagowski and set up an independent Greek State in Smyrna backed by the Greek Army? Have we made it clear that we shall use all the means at our disposal to bring pressure to bear on the Greek Government in such an event? As no satisfactory answer has been given, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question again on the Motion for the Adjournment?
37. Mr. MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether he has any information to give the House as to whether the Greek Army has continued to advance on Constantinople since the Allied Notes were addressed to the Greek Government; and whether, in view of the serious consequences which a Greek occupation of Constantinople would have, he will give the House an assurance that the Government will take measures to prevent the Greeks from occupying Constantinople while Parliament is in Recess?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second part in the affirmative.