HC Deb 07 March 1938 vol 332 cc1517-8
27. Mr. Ammon

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have been taken to implement the proposal to settle the Assyrian refugees in Cyprus?

Mr. Butler

In reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall (Mr. Leckie) on 4th November, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister explained that in spite of repeated and exhaustive inquiries since 1933, it had unfortunately proved impossible to find a suitable area for the resettlement of the Assyrians anywhere in the British Colonial Empire. Cyprus received special and particular attention in the course of those inquiries.

28. Mr. Ammon

asked the Prime Minister what are the conditions imposed upon the Assyrian Patriarch during his residence in England?

Mr. Butler

I understand that no special conditions have been imposed upon the Assyrian Patriarch. His Beatitude at present holds a Home Office document of identity for purposes of travel abroad, which is valid until September, 1938, and he has been exempted by direction of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary from the requirements of registry with the police.

Mr. Ammon

Is it not a fact that the Patriarch is prevented from visiting his own people, some of whom are in Iraq?

Mr. Butler

I understood the question to refer to restrictions imposed in England upon the Assyrian Patriarch.

Mr. Hannah

Is not the whole question of the Assyrians very unsatisfactory?