§ 1. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether any progress has been made in arrangements for the supply of food to the Greek islands; and whether the Turkish Government will continue the valuable assistance it has already given in the supply of food to the starving population?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot)No reply has yet been received to the proposal by His Majesty's Government that the Aegean Islands should be included in the Swedish scheme of food relief. We are, however, endeavouring to arrange for a ship-load of foodstuffs from Turkey to be sent to the Islands, and to be distributed there under neutral supervision. As regards the second part of the Question, the s.s. "Dulumpinar" was expected to sail last week from Istanbul with a cargo of foodstuffs for the Greek mainland. How far it will be possible to continue this form of assistance is a matter for the Turkish Government to decide, in the light of Turkey's own requirements.
§ Mr. HarveyMay we take it that if the Turkish Government had not taken this generous step thousands of lives would probably have been lost? Will His Majesty's Government continue their efforts to get some solution?
§ Mr. FootWe certainly ought to express our appreciation of the practical sympathy shown in this matter by the Turkish Government.