§ 9. Mr. ROBERT YOUNGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of the Turkish Republic has made any representations to the British Government regarding the transference of the British Embassy from Constantinople to Angora; what was the nature of these representations; and whether the absence of suitable accommodation for the Embassy in Angora is the only reason for retaining the Embassy in Constantinople?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. On 19th March, 1925, the Turkish Government addressed identic notes on this subject to the British, French and Italian representatives at Constantinople. After thanking the Allied Powers for their decision to raise the rank of their representatives in Turkey to that of Ambassador, they stated that they considered that these representatives should reside at Angora and not at Constantinople. They explained that a law would shortly be submitted to the Grand National Assembly authorising the Government to offer friendly foreign Powers land on which to construct suitable embassies or legations, and expressed the hope that the missions concerned would be transferred to Angora as soon as possible. In answer to the third part of the question, I would say that the lack of an embassy building suitable for the Ambassador and his staff is a good reason but not the only reason.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhat purpose is served by maintaining our Embassy at Constantinople, seeing that all relations with the Government have to take place at Angora?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI think that question is more fitted for debate than for this period of the day, but I do not accept the premises of the right hon. Gentleman's question.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs this the only case in which we maintain an Embassy not at the capital of the State?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir, I think so.
§ 16. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Embassy at Constantinople is the property of Great Britain; at what figure it is valued; and whether any suggestions have been made for its disposal in the event of the transference of the Embassy elsewhere?
§ Major Sir HARRY BARNSTON (for the FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the last in the negative. I have no information as to the present value of the property.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman obtain the information? Can he also say whether the Summer Embassy at Therapia is the property of the British Government?