CRETE. (Hansard, 15 February 1897)

§ MR. EDWARD MORTON (Devonport)

said he wished to ask a question on a matter respecting which the Government, he thought, had not treated the House properly. It would be in the recollection of hon. Members that in the afternoon a question was asked with reference to the Greek expedition alleged to have gone to Crete. The Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs refused, however, to supply any information on the subject or to allow any interpretation whatever to be put upon his reticence. But at that very time the Prime Minister was making a statement in another place. Members of that House had been compelled to obtain their information from the evening newspapers. According to the published reports the Prime Minister had made the very important statements that the Powers had agreed unanimously to make a very strong representation to Greece upon what he called the "unwisdom" of its attempt, that this country was in entire accord with the Powers, that the British Government had addressed to Greece language of "great earnestness," and had practically placed the policy of this country in the hands of the majority of the Powers in regard to the treatment of Greece in view of possible hostilities. Was it impossible thus early to get a perfectly plain declaration on behalf of the Government that in no circumstances would the forces of this country be used against Greece or for Turkey in the event of hostilities? Further, there was a rumour which had created a most unfeigned feeling of delight, in his quarter of the House, at any rate, that a Greek expeditionary force had actually succeeded in landing at Canea.