IN THE COMMONSD

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1940, Page 6

IN THE COMMONSD

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS

(Per British Official Wireless.)

(Received this day at 10.50 a.m.) 1 . I; • . RUGBY, March 18.

'/The Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr R. Butler,- was asked ilithe House of Commons if, in view-of the. fact that Finland was the second country to fall in the war of aggression, a comprehensive' plan; existed between France and Britain to render immediate military aid to Turkey should, her integrity be threatened, or if. it .ivas expedient for" her to go to the aid of a neighbouring State,

Mr Butler replied that ; Britain; and Frarice are Bound'by Article One of the Treaty of Mutual Assistance with .Turkey, to give Turkey all the aid and assistance in their power in the event. .of her being involved iri hostilities, \fitli a European PoWer, iri consequence of aggression, by that- Power against Turkey. The form that assistance should take had been, and is the subject, cf consultation between the three Governments. This consultation -will take into account the eoritingency referred to in the second part of the question. . . , ,

Mr Butler’s own, and other Commons answers, indicated he will dea-l.i in a statement to-morrow, with figures of tile material assistance sent tq,Fin-, land, the possibility of financial' assistance in the Finnish reconstruction, and yesterday’s Mid’On the Orkneys.