HC Deb 09 May 1879 vol 246 cc14-6
MR. W. CARTWRIGHT

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he will inform the House whether there is on record merely the general affirmation by all the Powers of the principle of mediation in reference to pending territorial questions between Turkey and Greece which is implied in their subscription to the Berlin Treaty without reservation as to any of its articles; whether, since that subscription, the principle has been specially affirmed again by all the Signatory Powers in respect of putting in force the mediation which by Article twenty-four is contemplated for ensuring the rectification of frontier between Greece and Turkey on the basis of the line recommended by the Congress; and, furthermore, if such reaffirmation had occurred, whether he can state to the House that the acquiescence of Her Majesty's Government In the contemplated mediation has not been accompanied by any views suggestive of cession, by the Porte to Greece, of territory that does not comprise the whole country which the Plenipotentiaries at Berlin recommended in Protocol thirteen should be ceded to Greece?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, I am afraid that the only answer I can give to the hon. Gentleman is this—that there has been a good deal of diplomatic Correspondence upon this subject since the signature of the Treaty of Berlin, and that communications are still going on. It is impossible for me to enter into detail upon these questions; but I may say that Her Majesty's Government have expressed their readiness to join with other Powers in mediation in conformity with all the provisions of the 24th Article of the Treaty of Berlin.

MR. MONK

subsequently asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the English Government has acceded to or rejected M. Waddington's proposal for a Conference of Ambassadors at Constantinople, with a view to the settlement of the Græco-Turkish Frontier Question.

MR. BOURKE

Sir, I am sorry that the answer I gave the other day was not sufficiently intelligible to the hon. Gentleman. My right hon. Friend has already answered one part of this Question; but I may say, in answer to the whole Question, that in pursuance of a proposal made by the French Government, Her Majesty's Government have consented to offer to exercise mediation under the Treaty of Berlin, and that they also agreed that that mediation shall be conducted by the Ambassadors at Constantinople.

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

May I ask, Whether by the Ambassadors at Constantinople, singly or collectively?

MR. BOURKE

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give Notice of that Question.

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

My hon. Friend asked whether there is to be a Conference of Ambassadors, and the hon. Gentleman said that mediation was to be exercised by the Ambassadors. I wish to know whether singly or collectively?

MR. BOURKE

If my hon. Friend will give Notice of his Question I will endeavour to answer it.