HC Deb 04 July 1923 vol 166 cc412-3
9. Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps it is proposed to take in regard to the breach of the Mudania Convention which was recently proved by the capture by a British destroyer of a cargo of Turkish guns on its removal from Thrace; and whether he can give an assurance that the Mudania Convention is now being strictly observed by Turkey?

Mr. McNEILL

Protests against the flagrant breach of the Mudania Convention, revealed by the presence of these guns in Thrace, were addressed to the Turkish authorities by the Acting British High Commissioner at Constantinople on 18th June, and by the three Allied Acting High Commissioners jointly on 21st June. The Turkish Government have repeatedly assured the Allied Governments that they are strictly observing the Convention, and the Allied authorities in Turkey will continue to make every effort to see that these assurances are better observed in future.

Mr. BUXTON

Is there any further answer to the second part of the question, as to whether there are any other breaches of the Mudania agreement to complain of?

Mr. McNEILL

I would not like to answer that question without notice. I think there probably are, but I could not say for certain.