§ MR. BOURKEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true that a Royal Decree has been published at Athens calling the Reserves into active service; whether, considering that Her Majesty's Minister at Athens has stated that he knows it was the intention of the late and present Government to call out Reserves "only at the last moment before active military operations" were commenced, he will inform the House if Her Majesty's Government, or any of the other Powers, have made representations to the Greek Government upon this step; and, whether, as "the last moment before military operations" appears now to have arrived, Her Majesty's Government intend to issue a Proclamation of Neutrality?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, the Greek Government have not called the whole of the Reserves into active service, but only certain classes. It had been the intention of the Greek Government to call out the Reserves generally; but, on the Representatives of the Powers expressing disapproval of that proposed step, the more limited action was taken, and accompanied by the explanation that the measure was not to be considered as a menace. Her Ma- 1739 jesty's Government have advised the Greek Government not to take any step that might have the appearance of an attempt to force the hands of the Powers now engaged in negotiations at Constantinople. The Powers have also agreed to invite both the Turkish and Greek Governments to abstain from acts of hostility during the negotiations. I believe that Proclamations of Neutrality are only issued when a state of war exists.
§ MR. BOURKEIs the step taken by the Powers a collective step?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEEach Power has made separate representations.
§ MR. BOURKEIdentical?
§ [Sir CHARLES W. DILKE did not reply.]