HC Deb 17 March 1926 vol 193 cc398-9
3. Viscount SANDON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action has been taken with reference to the attitude of the Turkish Government towards the Ionian Bank and other British commercial and educational establishments in Constantinople?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

As I informed the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Swansea (Mr. Runciman) on the 8th March, His Majesty's Ambassador in Turkey recently proceeded to Angora to take up these questions with the Turkish Government. Sir Ronald Lindsay made strong representations on the subject of the Turkish Government's treatment of the Ionian Bank and other British commercial and educational establishments in Constantinople to the Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs, and obtained certain assurances from him that the provisions of the Establishment Convention of Lausanne would be observed. Sir Ronald Lindsay is at present in this country in order to consult with His Majesty's Government on various questions concerned with their policy towards Turkey, and I regret that I cannot make any further statement at the present stage.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is not this all part of the whole trouble with Turkey, and, if we come to a proper settlement with Turkey, will not this and cognate questions be automatically arranged?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I cannot say. All these questions form part of the general question which is now being discussed with the Ambassador.

5. Captain CROOKSHANK

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make a further statement with regard to the closing of the English High School for Girls at Constantinople?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I regret that I cannot add anything to the reply which I have just given to the noble Lord the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon).