HC Deb 30 May 1916 vol 82 c2544
4. Mr OUTHWAITE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to an interview in England with Professor Paul Miliukoff, leader of the Constitutional Democrats in the Russian Duma, in which he stated our supreme aim in this War is to get possession of Constantinople, which must belong to Russia entirely and without reserve; and can he say whether this statement represents the views of the Russian Government as regards its supreme aim in the War?

Sir E. GREY

Professor Miliukoff is a distiguished member of the Duma, but it is not necessary or desirable to make official comments on unofficial statements.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Did Professor Miliukoff correctly interpret the views of the Russian Government; does it follow under the pact of London that this country cannot consider terms of peace until Russia has secured Constantinople?

Sir E. GREY

The hon. Member is asking for a statement which I do not think it desirable to make.