§ 14. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement to the House concerning the settlement of the dispute between the Governments of France and Turkey concerning the territory of Alexandretta?
§ Mr. EdenThe terms of the settlement, as embodied in the rapporteur's report which was adopted by the Council of the League on 27th January, have been fully and accurately reported in the Press. The settlement, which falls within the framework of the international obligations of the parties concerned, and does not involve any modification of the territorial status quo, appears to be an eminently satisfactory one, and is due in large measure to the spirit of conciliation and statesmanship shown by both parties, as well as to the skill and energy of the Rapporteur, M. Sandler, who spared no efforts to bring about agreement. In view of the difficult nature of the questions involved, I think it is a matter from which we take much encouragement that under the auspices of the League, in the spirit of the Covenant, and with the help of the League, it has been possible to reach a solution which both parties can find acceptable.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWhile associating myself with what the Foreign Secretary said about the satisfactory results obtained, and congratulating him on his share in achieving them, may I ask whether there is any ground for pre-occupation in regard to the attitude of the Syrian authorities?
§ Mr. EdenI am afraid that is beyond the sphere of my knowledge. There is always fear of pre-occupation in any settlement we get nowadays.
§ Colonel WedgwoodCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible to come to an amicable settlement in regard to Mosul as well?