§ Mr. KINGasked whether representations made to the Italian Government on the cutting of cables in the Ægean Sea have received any reply; and whether any statement could be made on this subject?
§ Sir E. GREYI have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 1st May. The cutting of cables by a belligerent is not per se a violation of international law or practice. If there is 199 wanton or unnecessary interference or violation of neutral waters or some such circumstances, any claims that may arise in consequence must be considered on their merits.
§ Mr. KINGWould it not be possible to have some method of stopping the communication of news other than the destruction of the cables, for instance by an international agreement by which cables should be interdicted from use in certain circumstances?
§ Sir E. GREYI cannot say what may be found possible by future international agreement. I only have to deal with the circumstances as they are.
§ Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would approach the Austro-Hungarian Government with a request for information as to the alleged conditions under which Italy refrains from carrying the war with Turkey into Albania and the Balkans?
§ Sir E. GREYI must ask the hon. Member not to press questions of this kind, which it is both inexpedient and unnecessary for us to raise in this way.