§ 17. Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLasked whether the Athens and Ionian Bank have received an order to advance to the Provisional Government of M. Venizelos and charge to the account of the Entente Powers the preliminary sum of 5,000,000 francs, or any other and, if so, what sum; if so, why has not immediate official recognition and diplomatic and belligerent status been accorded to the Provisional Government of M. Venizelos to which financial aid has been given by the Entente Powers; and whether there is any and, if so, what instance in which States have openly financed Provisional Governments without formal recognition of the uthority of such Governments over the territory de factor subject to heir rule?
§ Lord R. CECILAs regards the first part of the question, a provisional advance of 10,000,000 drachmae has been made by the Allied Governments to the Government of M. Venizelos. In regard to the second part, I can make no statement beyond what has already been made. As regards the third part, I entirely agree with the hon. Member that the present position is anomalous and without precedent, as are the circumstances by which it has been occasioned.
§ Mr. LYNCHIs there any precedent for giving a subvention to a subject who revolts against his monarch, while at the same time jeopardising the possible campaign by propping up the Throne of the same monarch?
§ Lord R. CECILI have already said that there is no precedent for the circumstances at all.
§ Lord R. CECILAs far as we are concerned, the sooner this anomalous state of affairs ends the better.