HC Deb 10 May 1922 vol 153 cc2176-7
48. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether the text of the recent pact or agreement between the Italian Government and the Sublime Porte has been received by His Majesty's Government; whether, in view of the economic agreements made between the French and Italian Governments, respectively, on the one hand, and the Angora and Constantinople Governments, respectively, on the other hand, His Majesty's Government are taking steps to safeguard the commercial interests of British subjects in Turkey in Asia, and to secure for them favourable treatment as regards concessions and trading rights in those regions; and, if so, what are they?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the remainder of the question, His Majesty's Government do not consider that British commercial interests are likely to be adversely affected by the French and Italian agreements to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. Such interests will be protected in the final settlement, pending which concessions and trading rights are of uncertain value.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

If these concessions are going to be granted under a preference to French or Italian subjects, is that no bound to act against the interests of British people, who also want to obtain trading and other concessions?