§ 6. Mr. GINNELLasked whether the indebtedness of Belgium to this country was the pressure used to dissuade the Belgian Government from accepting from Germany integrity and restoration of independence and full compensation for injuries; whether any collateral inducement was offered; and whether all the other allied Powers concurred?
§ Sir E. GREYThe statement made in the hon. Member's question is entirely untrue.
§ Mr. GINNELLThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered my question as to whether any pressure was put upon Belgium?
§ Sir E. GREYThe hon. Member has put his question really in the form of a statement that we have applied pressure to Belgium to induce Belgium to refuse an offer. That we have put pressure upon Belgium or that such an offer has been made to Belgium I believe to be entirely untrue.
§ Mr. DAVID MASONCan the right hon. Gentleman furnish the House with any information as to whether any approaches have been made either by the high Roman Catholic dignitaries or any others with reference to this question?
§ Sir E. GREYIf I remember rightly, the hon. Member has a question on this subject on the Paper, and it will be answered when this question is reached.
§ 51. Mr. MASONasked the Prime Minister whether he has any official information showing that Germany has made certain peace proposals to Belgium; and, if so, will he inform the House of Commons of the nature of such proposals?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)According to a statement issued by the Belgian Legation, which appeared in the Press on 12th February, the rumours which have been circulated to the effect that peace proposals have recently been made by Germany to the Belgian Government are devoid of foundation.
§ Mr. MASONIn view of the fact that the word "official" has been added to my original question, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has any information of a non-official character referring to this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir. I cannot go behind the statement of the Legation.