HC Deb 04 May 1922 vol 153 cc1539-40
16. Mr. MALONE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the formation by the Greek Army in Asia Minor of a separate Government of Ionia, in the hinterland of Smyrna?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton, for Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave the hon. and gallant Member for the Wrekin (Sir C. Townshend) on 1st May.

Mr. MALONE

Is the Government checking the supply of money and arms to the Greeks until peace is restored?

Earl WINTERTON

That does not arise out of the question. The hon. Member asked if we had any further information. We have not.

18. Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the charges of cruelty which are being made against the Turkish Government in respect of the deportation of nationals of Greece and of other allied and associated Powers from Turkish territory; and whether any representations have been made, or are likely to be made, to the Turkish Government in the matter.

Earl WINTERTON

His Majesty's Government are in possession of a great deal of reliable evidence from neutral sources regarding deportations of Ottoman Greeks (including women and children) from one part of Turkish territory to another. These deportations have been on a vast scale and have been carried out with the utmost barbarity. Numerous protests have been made to the Turkish Government and to the Angora Assembly on the subject, but have proved unavailing, and the deportations were still continuing in February last.

Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

Can the Noble Lord indicate whether or not any steps can be taken by the Government?

Earl WINTERTON

So far as I know, no steps, under existing conditions, can be taken.

Lord R. CECIL

Have the Government considered the advisability of sending an officer to see what is going on in this place and to get accurate information?

Earl WINTERTON

I shall be pleased to convey my Noble Friend's suggestion to the Secretary of State.

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