HC Deb 13 November 1940 vol 365 cc1680-1
5. Mr. Cocks

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement as to the present position in Syria and the conditions there prevailing?

Mr. Butler

There has been no very material change recently in the situation in Syria and the Lebanon. An Italian Armistice Commission is still in Beirut. The French authorities have on various occasions officially denied that the Commission had asked for bases for the Italian forces in Syria, or for the surrender of French aeroplanes to Italy. They are said to have confined their activities to compiling a list of war materials.

Mr. Cocks

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information about the mission of Baron von Oppenheim in Syria, and about his activities in proximity to the oil pipe line?

Mr. Butler

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. Price

Is there any control over the oil and other raw materials which may leave Syria and possibly get to enemy quarters?

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