§ 1. Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what news he has of the extent of distress in Bulgaria, Servia, Greece, and Thrace arising from the late war; and whether the conditions are fulfilled under which hope was held out that His Majesty's Government might make a Grant in relief of such distress?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)According to the reports I have received from His Majesty's representatives and Consular officers there is still considerable distress in the countries that were the scene of the late war. The Governments concerned have not made an appeal for help. I should, however, add that in December last His Majesty's Government made an advance of £5,000 to meet the urgent need of relief in Albania, where there was no definitive Government, and for which His Majesty's Government, as one of the six Powers who called the State of Albania into being, felt a measure of responsibility.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEHas the right hon. Gentleman any special information from Lysena and Dibra; and does he think a Grant of £5,000 in any way sufficient?
§ Sir E. GREYI do not suggest that £5,000 is adequate. We gave that ourselves, and announced that we would be prepared to give more if other Powers also would do something; but I am afraid that the step we took has not led to any grants being made by other Powers.
§ Sir E. GREYPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that.