HC Deb 10 February 1926 vol 191 cc1016-7
25. Captain W. BENN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the number of the Christian population in the vicinity but north of the Brussels line?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I regret that I am unable to furnish the information desired by the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

Mr. NOEL BUXTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the approximate number of those Christians who have crossed into Iraq?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

My memory is not of the kind that enables me ever to give figures without notice, but that is a question, I may add, which would be better addressed to the Colonial Secretary, as the Minister responsible for Iraq. Within Iraq, where we are the mandatory authority, we may have the figures, or be able to get them—I think we have them—but as to Turkish territory, I have not got the figures, and cannot get them.

Captain BENN

Would it be right to assume that there is any considerable number of Christians immediately on the Turkish side of the border?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

There certainly were. I do not know what it is proper to assume at this time.