§ Mr. McEnteeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information what is the purpose for which Sir E. Denison Ross and Major H. M. Burton are being sent to Turkey and the nature of their duties; whether the former has been retired on pension, and what is his age; whether the latter is still on the active list of the Regular Army; if either of them can converse freely in the Turkish language, or have had any diplomatic experience; and whether he is satisfied that these appointments will give satisfaction to the Turkish Government?
§ Sir E. GriggThe purpose of the appointment of Sir E. Denison Ross and Major H. M. Burton is the promotion of the existing friendship between Great Britain and Turkey. Sir Denison Ross is the former director of the School of Oriental Studies, in respect of his services to which he receives no pension. He does, however, receive a pension of £120 per annum from the Government of India, granted to him after his retirement from the directorship of the School of Oriental Studies in recognition of his services to1292W Education in India from 1900 to 1914. He is among the leading authorities on the literature of ancient and modern Turkey. He is 68 years of age.
Major Burton for the last four years has been seconded from the Regular Army for special duties. Both Sir Denison Ross and Major Burton are familiar with a number of Oriental languages, including Turkish; and the Turkish Government have agreed to their appointment.