§ 16. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked whether the views expressed by the Secretary of State for War to an American journalist have been supported by any official statement made on behalf of the Russian Government?
§ Lord R. CECILI am not aware that any Allied Government has given an official expression of opinion on this interview or other similar statements made by other Ministers here or in other Allied countries, but I have no reason whatever to suppose that the statement of the Secretary of State for War is not regarded with consent and approval by the Allies. The hon. Member's question appears to be designed to suggest some difference of view or policy between the Allies, but on this as on other occasions he will be disappointed.
Sir H. DALZIELIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Russian Ambassador in London has expressed the view, on behalf of the Russian Government, that he is fully in accord with the statement of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Lord R. CECILI should like notice of that question.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIs there not reason to believe that the Russian Government are not in favour of the prize ring settlement of the combat?
§ Lord R. CECILThere is no reason to believe that the Russian Government disapprove of anything which my right hon. Friend has said.
§ 18. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any Report from the British Ambassador at Petrograd relating to the apology tendered to him by a political leader for having attacked the Prime Minister of Great Britain, alleging that his statement regarding the exaction of retribution for German misdeeds showed 1699 that Great Britain would oppose the conclusion of an advantageous peace between Russia and Germany; and if he has received such a Report will he lay it upon the Table of the House?
§ Lord R. CECILNo, Sir, I do not consider that this incident, which has been concluded in a most satisfactory manner and the facts regarding which have been correctly reported in the Press, is of sufficient importance or interest to justify the laying of Papers on the subject.