HC Deb 05 June 1919 vol 116 cc2255-6W
Mr. SITCH

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give any information respecting a recently reported rising in Kurdistan, around Mosul, when detachments of British officers and troops are said to have been taken prisoners; whether there is any truth in the report; and, if so, will he publish the names of the missing in order to lessen anxiety among their relatives and friends?

Mr. CHURCHILL

On the 22nd May trouble broke out at Sulimaniyeh, 150 miles South-East of Mosul. Sheikh Mahmud, assisted by Kurds from Persia, looted the Treasury and imprisoned the British officers and staff. Eight British officers and six non-commissioned officers are reported to be interned unharmed. Their release is expected shortly. The necessary steps have been taken to obtain the names of the interned officers and men.