HC Deb 12 May 1924 vol 173 cc876-7
19. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information with regard to the reported tension on the Syrian-Turkish frontier and the reported movements of troops?

Mr. PONSONBY

The answer is in the negative.

37. Earl WINTERTON

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the inter-action of events in the mandated territories of Syria, Palestine and Iraq, respectively, he will request the Government of the French Republic to communicate to him a statement which can be given to this House regarding the situation on the Syrian-Turkish frontier?

Mr. PONSONBY

His Majesty's Government has no information of a nature to justify so unusual a procedure as addressing an inquiry to the French Government regarding the situation in the territory administered under a French mandate.

Earl WINTERTON

Is it not a fact that His Majesty's Government have constantly communicated information to the French Government with regard to events that have happened on the borders of Palestine and Iraq in territories for which we have the responsibility of mandate?

Mr. PONSONBY

That may be so. His Majesty's Government do that spontaneously, and the French Government do the same.

Earl WINTERTON

Is the hon. Gentlemen aware that my question merely asked whether the Government will request the French Government to give similar information on this question to that which has been constantly given by His Majesty's Government to the French Government?

Mr. PONSONBY

That is the point with which I have dealt in my answer.