§ 8. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now ascertained if any civil or military supporters of the constitutional movement in Greece or of the Government Of M. Venizelos are being punished or court-martialled by the Government in Athens because of their opinions or actions?
§ Lord R. CECILI understand that certain civil, military, and naval officers who had joined M. Venizelos have been dismissed from the service of King Constantine and deprived of their pension rights. The French and British Governments have meanwhile informed M. Venizelos that the Allies will not lose sight of the interests of those Greek officials and officers who may desire to offer their services to the Provisional Government at Salonika, and that care will be taken that the interests of these officials and officers do not suffer in the future.
§ Commander BELLAIRSHas the Noble Lord seen the telegram in the "Morning Post" giving specific cases of officers imprisoned in the common prison in the Piraeus, and of other officers who have been in prison?
§ Lord R. CECILI have heard of the telegram to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. If M. Venizelos brings any such cases before the notice of the Government, we shall be glad to take any action in our power.
§ Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEHas there been communication with King Constantine's Government as well as with M. Venizelos' Government?
§ Lord R. CECILI do not understand my hon. Friend's question at all. If M. 8 Venizelos' Government will bring any of these questions to our notice we will take any action in our power.
§ Mr. GWYNNEMy question was whether the Government has communicated with King Constantine's Government in regard to this matter?
§ Lord R. CECILI should like notice of that question.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the Government not act on the principle that prevention is better than cure?
§ Lord R. CECILI do not know to what prevention my hon. Friend refers.
§ Mr. PRINGLETo prevent King Constantine's Government from doing this.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the Noble Lord consider the desirability of having nothing more to do with King Constantine's Government?
§ Lord R. CECILI can assure my hon. Friend that we desire to take the strongest possible action to prevent any proceedings of this kind.