HC Deb 07 July 1925 vol 186 cc243-4W
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the economic Clauses of the Treaty of Peace, concluded at Lausanne between the Allied Governments on the one part and the Turkish Government on the other part, which overrule any enactment or measures carried into effect prior to such Treaty or relating to the control and liquidation of Turkish property, and by which Turkish nationals are entitled to the immediate restoration of their property, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to settle the claims by Turkish nationals in accordance with the spirit and intention of the said Treaty of Peace without undue delay?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

I have been asked to reply. It is, of course, the policy of His Majesty's Government to settle the claims by Turkish nationals tinder the Treaty of Lausanne in accordance with the spirit and intention of that Treaty, and without undue delay, and I understand that the restoration of the property in this country belonging to Turkish nationals is practically complete. I ought to add, however, that I do not altogether accept the views put forward by the hon. and gallant Member as to what is the exact intention of the Treaty in this respect.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the delays in compensating British nationals who have incurred losses in Turkey and cannot obtain restitution of their property, except as provided by the Treaty of Lausanne, is a matter which in any way affects the rights conferred on Turkish subjects by the said treaty of peace to recover their property; and whether instructions will be given, or have been given, to the department responsible for the carrying out of the clearing-office administration that rights of restitution of pre-War property belonging to Turkish nationals shall not be delayed?

Mr. SAMUEL

I have been asked to reply. The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, no instructions of the nature suggested are necessary.

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