§ 7. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is still hopeful of settling the Assyrians outside Iraq; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take to afford them protection inside Iraq?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)With regard to the first part of the question, I have nothing at present to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend, the Lord Privy Seal, to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on 19th June. With regard to the second part, so long as the Assyrians remain in Iraq, responsibility for their protection devolves upon the Iraqi Government, who have on several recent occasions given assurances on the subject to the League of Nations.
Captain CAZALETIs the statement in to-day's papers true that the Brazilian Government have definitely refused to accept these Assyrians in Brazil?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member cannot ask questions on what appears in the papers.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHave we an Englishman resident among the Assyrian population, and does the right hon. Gentleman realise that England has a rather special responsibility for these people going beyond that of the League of Nations?
§ Sir J. SIMONI think our responsibilities in the matter are quite well understood. As regards the first supplementary question, in order to avoid misunderstandings perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put it down.