§ Sir R. THOMASasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of refugees of Armenian nationality at present in Iraq; in what districts they are principally located; how far are they self-supporting; and what policy does the Iraq Government intend to pursue in regard to them?
§ Mr. AMERYI am unable to state the exact number of persons of Armenian origin at present in Iraq, Several thousand Armenian refugees were repatriated from Iraq in 1921 at the expense of His Majesty's Government. A certain number, however, remained behind. The High Commissioner informs me that there are still some 1,400 Armenians, of whom about 400 are able-bodied men without employment, at the refugee camp near Basra. A fund has been raised for the repatriation of these refugees, but it has not yet been found practicable to carry out the project. An alternative plan for settling the refugees on lands in the Mosul region is under examination.