§ Mr. A. WILLIAMSasked the Under secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Italian Government has with drawn its promise to send troops to Armenia to prevent massacre after the withdrawal of the British troops; whether the Government of the United States of America has accepted a mandate for that region; and, if not, what steps have been taken to bridge the interval between the withdrawal of our troops and the establishment of some other settled government in the country?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe Italian Government at one time contemplated sending troops to the Caucasus, not specifically: to prevent an Armenian massacre after the 1678W withdrawal of the British troops, but to assume military charge of the areas between the Black and Caspian Seas. They have since desisted from that intention. The American Government have not accepted a mandate for Armenia, nor can they do so without the consent of Congress, which has not as yet been given. The British occupation of the Caucasus, undertaken for the purpose of expelling the enemy, has indirectly had a great effect in tranquillising the country. But if it were to be continued until settled government has been established in those regions, it would be impossible to place a limit to its duration. His Majesty's Government are taking every available step to prevent the revival of racial conflict and to secure a stable order upon the departure of the British forces.