§ Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the actual date on which the island of Rhodes was occupied by Italian troops; whether the Italian Government have given any intimation as to their future intentions with respect to the island; and whether it is the policy of the Government to protest against or permit the annexation of Rhodes by Italy?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer to the first question is May 4th; the answer to the second is in the negative; and the answer 940 to the third is that the policy of His Majesty's Government is not to express opinions in regard to an event which has not taken place and that it is not consistent with neutrality to make protests against military or naval measures taken by either combatant unless they involve some unjustifiable interference with our own interests.
§ Mr. KINGasked whether the protecting Powers of Crete are prepared to defend that island against an occupation of the island by Italian forces?
§ Sir E. GREYThere is no question of any attack being made upon Crete by Italian forces while the island is en depot with the protecting Powers.