HC Deb 23 February 1926 vol 192 cc306-7
104. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether reports have reached him as to atrocities perpetrated by certain Turkish regiments upon Christians on the northern border of the British mandate territory of Iraq; if so, whether he is taking up the matter with the League of Nations; and, if not, whether he will make inquiries with a view to definite representations being made in the proper quarter?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)

Information reached His Majesty's Government early in September last to the effect that the Turkish authorities were deporting large bodies of Christians from the districts to the north of the so-called Brussels line, and that these deportations were being carried out in circumstances of great cruelty. This information was brought by His Majesty's Government to the notice of the League of Nations on the 21st September, and, as a result, a Commission was sent out under General Laidoner to investigate the matter on the spot. Its reports were made to the Council of the League, and have been published as Command papers Nos. 2557 and 2563.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Do I understand that representations will be made to the League of Nations to expedite action to prevent further atrocities?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Since the investigation was made we have had no information at all that any further deportations have taken place.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it not the case that, notwithstanding these atrocities, the Prohibitionist party last week voted against the Iraq Treaty?