§ 68. Lieut.-Colonel Sir EDWARD GRIGGasked the Prime Minister whether there is any record of the letter alleged to have been addressed to Lord Curzon by the late M. Gounaris on 19th February, 1922, regarding the condition of the Greek army in Asia Minor and of Lord Curzon's reply; whether the records, if any, substantiate the version of this correspondence published in the Press; and whether the records show that this correspondence was communicated to Lord Curzon's colleagues and considered by the Cabinet?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. and gallant Member is doubtless referring to the note from M. Gounaris of 15th February, which was communicated to the Cabinet, as well as the reply returned to it. Some extracts from M. Gounaris' note have been correctly reproduced in the Press.
§ Mr. ASQUITHWill the right hon. Gentleman not consider the expediency and the necessity of laying before the House, papers with regard to the whole of these events in the East, which are necessary to form any just conclusion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI agree with the right hon. Gentleman that to lay particular papers would be useless, but before making any such promise I should have some idea as to the scope and period during which he wishes that papers should be laid.
Mr. LLOYD GEORGEWith regard to the question on the Paper, do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say he has made inquiries as to whether that document was circulated to the Cabinet and that there is a record of it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can say quite definitely that I sent the question to the proper source and got the reply that it was circulated to the Cabinet.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhen will there be an opportunity of discussing the Greek and Turkish question—the events leading up to the disaster that brought an end to the Coalition?
§ Mr. A. CHAMBERLAINIs there any record of the circulation of this document to the late Cabinet either in the Cabinet 1990 Secretariat or in the Foreign Office, and, if so, in which?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt was from the Foreign Office that I got it, but I shall ask the Cabinet Secretariat to make sure.
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINSome of us are very much surprised to hear that any such document was circulated, though our memory may be at fault.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like to say I do not think there can be any possible mistake, because the records of the Foreign Office are that it was circulated.