HC Deb 31 May 1916 vol 82 cc2706-7
46. Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the Prime Minister, adverting to the statement of the German Chancellor in the Note to the United States Government, dated 7th May, to the effect that twice within the past few months Germany announced before the world her readiness to make peace on a basis safeguarding Germany's vital interests, and that it was not Germany's fault if peace is still withheld from the nations of Europe, will he say whether the Allies are prepared to avail themselves of the good offices of a neutral State in order to communicate to the German Government the definite terms on which they would be willing to make peace, provided the German Government is prepared to make in the same way and at the same time a communication to the Allies of the definite terms on which Germany would be willing to make peace?

The PRIME MINISTER

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and I have already made public statements on the subject of peace, and one of them, made on the occasion of the visit of representatives from France, had special reference to the last statement of the German Chancellor. There was nothing in the statements made by the German Chancellor to indicate that Germany was prepared to consider terms of peace that would safeguard the interests of the Allies or the future peace of Europe, and I do not see that I can usefully add anything to the recent speech of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Sir A. MARKHAM

As the War may last a number of years, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of letting the Germans now at this time know what our actual terms of peace will be? What end is gained by not letting the enemy know them now?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think I can usefully add anything to the answer I have given.

Mr. MORRELL

Was the statement made by the German Chancellor considerably censored before it came here, and would it not be desirable that the whole statement should be published in this country?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should like notice of that question.