HC Deb 23 July 1924 vol 176 cc1336-7W
Mr. BARCLAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the ratification of the Treaty of Lausanne, it will now he possible to deal promptly with the claims of British subjects on Turkey?

Mr. PONSONBY

Under the Convention for the assessment and reparation of damage suffered by nationals of the contracting Powers which was signed at Paris on the 23rd November, 1923, British war claims against Turkey will be dealt with by an Inter-Allied Commission set up for that purpose. His Majesty's Government have already appointed their representative on this Commission, who is now in Paris and has been instructed to put himself in touch with his French and Italian colleagues in order that there may be no delay in the meeting of the Commission as soon as the Convention comes into force.

Mr. BARCLAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the total claims of British subjects on Turkey; and whether it will be possible to meet those claims in full?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I am asked to reply. As to the first part of the question, the number of claims against Turkey registered in the Reparation Claims Department is 4,567. The total amount of these claims cannot be stated, since, in many eases, no sum is specified. As to the second part of the question, the extent to which these claims may be met depends upon the awards made by the Assessment Commission established under the Convention signed at Paris on 23rd November, 1923.