HC Deb 02 March 1922 vol 151 c547
28. Sir A. HOLBROOK

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Syrians were enrolled in the French army in the late War, and as such were under French protection; what was the political status of Syrians during the War; and whether it is now proposed to expropriate their private movable property in this country as Turkish subjects?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am not aware of the extent to which Syrians may have been enrolled in the French army. As Turkish subjects, their status during the War was that of enemies. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. Under the provisions of the Treaty of Sèvres the property of persons who show that they will acquire Syrian nationality under the nationality clauses of the Treaty of Sèvres is being released to them.