HC Deb 21 March 1945 vol 409 cc790-1
19. Mr. Ivor Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Govern- ment to uphold the position of Turkey as the guardian of the Straits.

Mr. Law

The policy of His Majesty's Government as regards the Straits, is at present governed by the international convention regarding the régime of the Straits signed at Montreux in 1936. Any revision of this international convention would naturally be a matter for international discussion.

Mr. Thomas

Is it the intention of the Government to uphold the Montreux Convention?

Mr. Law

I do not think I can go beyond what I have said. It is an international Convention and, if it is altered, it can only be done by international agreement.

Captain Duncan

Was Russia a party to it?

Mr. Law

My impression is that she was, but I should have to confirm that.