HC Deb 29 July 1935 vol 304 cc2277-8
7. Captain CAZALET

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any further communication from either the French or Iraq Governments in regard to the transport and settlement of the Assyrians to Syria; and whether the British Government has yet come to any decision as to the amount of money which it is prepared to provide towards the cost of this scheme?

Sir S. HOARE

I understand that the French Government have accepted the proposal of the Assyrian Committee of the League Council that technical discussions with a view to the elaboration of a detailed plan of settlement in the Gharb area should now take place locally, and that these discussions will start in Beirut at the beginning of August. As regards the second part of the question, the general appeal for funds addressed to all States Members of the League, and the special letter on the subject from the President of the Assyrian Committee of the Council to His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are receiving urgent consideration, but I am not yet in a position to indicate what decision His Majesty's Government are likely to take in regard to them.

Captain CAZALET

In view of the very special responsibility which this country has, can my right hon. Friend assure the House that His Majesty's Government will not allow a solution of this problem to be indefinitely delayed owing to lack of funds?

Sir S. HOARE

We do not at all wish to see a solution of this problem indefinitely delayed; we wish to see a settlement as quickly as possible. There are, however obligations other than the obligations of the British Government. But I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that we do regard it as an urgent matter and that we should very much like to see it settled.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

Do we understand that the British Government will participate in local discussions with the French and Iraq Governments?

Sir S. HOARE

Yes, I am almost sure that that is the case, but I will verify it.

Captain HEILGERS

Would it not be a good thing to settle these Assyrians in Transjordania where they would be a barrier against Wahabi penetration?