HC Deb 17 December 1928 vol 223 cc2587-8
10. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies of what nature is the claim with regard to the Dead Sea salt concessions made by a foreign Power on behalf of its nationals; how does the matter now stand; whether he can state what has happened to the concession granted by the pre-War Turkish Government; and whether the International Court of Justice are to be asked to arbitrate in the matter?

Mr. AMERY

Before the War, the Turkish Government are alleged to have granted to certain Ottoman subjects a concession for the extraction of certain substances from the waters of the Dead Sea. From time to time His Majesty's Government have been requested to recognise this concession; the most recent request was preferred on behalf of a French group which, it is understood, has acquired an interest in the concession at a comparatively recent date. His Majesty's Government, being advised that they were under no legal obligation to recognise the concession, have consistently and repeatedly declined to recognise it. I see no reason to modify this attitude or to refer the question to the Permanent Court of International Justice.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Under the Treaty of Lausanne, were not pre-War Turkish concessions upheld?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir, not to Turkish Concessionaires.

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