§ 17. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any suitable area in any of the self-governing Colonies, Protectorates, or Mandated Territories has been found in which it would be practicable to settle the Assyrians of Iraq; what contribution would be paid by the League and/or the Iraqi Government towards same; and will he make a statement on the present position?
§ Mr. EdenAs regards the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies returned to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 10th February. It is impossible to indicate in advance how any new scheme which might emerge from the settlement of the Assyrians would be financed. The present position is that His Majesty's Government have informed the Council of the League of Nations that they are prepared to recommend Parliament to agree that the balance of the contribution offered by them in September of last year towards the Ghab scheme should be made available for any new scheme, which received the approval of the Council. This offer was subject to the same conditions as the original offer, which include the contribution by the Government of Iraq of an equal amount and a contribution by the League of Nations. I understand that the attitude of the Government of Iraq corresponds to that of His Majesty's Government. Moreover, the Assembly of the League of Nations decided, in October last, that the balance of the total contribution offered by the League to the previous scheme shall also be regarded as allotted, in principle, to any new scheme of settlement. As regards the last part of the question, the general position is that the competent committee of the League Council is continuing its efforts to find a suitable place for permanent settlement for those Assyrians who still wish to leave Iraq. His Majesty's Government are doing all that they can to assist the committee in its very difficult task.
§ Mr. DayCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Committee are meeting with any success in their inquiries?
§ Mr. EdenNo, Sir, I am afraid I cannot. The hon. Gentleman knows the immense difficulties of this subject.
§ Captain HeilgersDoes the right hon. Gentleman feel assured that the Assyrians are receiving considerate treatment at present by the Iraqi Government?