§ 15. Mr. WADDINGTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether ho is aware that the Greek Government is confiscating merchandise at the port of Salonika, although the goods were destined for Belgrade, and were shipped for delivery via Salonika; whether the Greek authorities replied to a protest against the confiscation by stating that the requisition is carried out in accordance with home regulations, which are equally applied to Greek merchants and foreigners, and that he cannot seek more satisfactory treatment than their own (Greek) subjects; and, in view of this action of the Greek Government in preventing the despatch of merchandise from this country, what action does he intend to take in the matter?
Mr. HARMSWORTHHis Majesty's Government do not feel themselves in a position to protest against the requisitioning for military purposes by the Greek Government of goods in Greek territory, so long as adequate compensation is paid. Recent cases of requisitions at the Piraeus have been brought to the notice of the Greek Government, who have signified their intention of paying compensation within a reasonable period. No cases of requisition of British goods in transit through Salonika have been brought to my notice, but I am making inquiries. The transit of goods through Salonika to Jugo-Slavia is, I understand, governed by a special arrangement between Greece and Serbia, and I am also inquiring whether this arrangement would affect the right of Greece to requisition in time of war.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYWill the hon. Gentleman say what compensation will be paid? Do the Greeks decide?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYIt is most important to know who is to arbitrate. If the Greeks arbitrate in regard to the things they have seized, is not the arrangement unsatisfactory?
§ Lord E. PERCYIs this the interpretation placed by the Greek Government on the desire of the Allies that Salonika should be a free port?