HC Deb 05 July 1923 vol 166 c625
88. Mr. AUBREY HERBERT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether all outstanding questions between the Greeks and the Turks have been settled; and, if so, whether he is prepared to make a statement as to the possibility of the peace treaty between these two countries being signed at an early date?

Mr. McNEILL

A lasting and satisfactory peace in the Near East can only be re-established by a general settlement, and until such a settlement is reached it is impossible to regard all outstanding questions between any two of the belligerent Powers as completely disposed of. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. HERBERT

Is it not a fact that M. Venizelos is anxious to sign peace, and ought not all efforts in that direction to be encouraged by His Majesty's Government?

Mr. McNEILL

I am sure His Majesty's Government will encourage all efforts that may be deserving.