HC Deb 26 July 1939 vol 350 c1492W
Colonel Wedgwood

asked the Prime Minister why the Turkish Government have been asked by His Majesty's Government to prevent the passage of ships containing Jewish refugees from Germany from going through the Bosphorus; whether he appreciates the bad effect such a request must have in America; and what answer was made by the Turkish Government to this request?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Government have made no such request to the Turkish Government. The second and third parts of the question do not therefore arise.

Colonel Wedgwood

asked the Prime Minister whether he will inquire as to the conditions of and on the three refugee ships off the Lebanon coast debarred from entry?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend has received a report that on the 20th July the steamship "Frossoula" was being de-ratised in Beirut harbour while the passengers were in quarantine. He has received no reports about conditions on the other ships to which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman refers. I would emphasise that His Majesty's Government are in no way responsible for conditions on ships engaged in the smuggling of illegal immigrants into Palestine.