§ Mr. WITHERSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Commission set up by the Convention, dated 23rd November, 1923, for reparations for damage caused to British, French, Italian, and Japanese subjects on Ottoman property has sat; if so, what findings it has made and on what basis; whether any distribution has been made; whether he has received complaints of preference of other nationals over British 2359W subjects; and whether he can give any information as to a final settlement of claims?
Mr. SAMUELThe Commission for the assessment of damage suffered in Turkey provided for by the Convention of 23rd November, 1923, was duly set up and has since its appointment been continuously engaged in the assessment of over 16,500 claims submitted to it: it has paid a dividend of 40 per cent. of the damage assessed and hopes to complete the assessment of the claims and the distribution of the fund at its disposal shortly. Complaints of the kind referred to in the fourth part of the question have occasionally been received but such complaints are impossible to substantiate, and in any case His Majesty's Government are bound by decisions of the Commission, even if taken by a majority vote.