HC Deb 16 November 1916 vol 87 c979
89. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Prime Minister if an understanding has been agreed upon by the Allies that Constantinople, the Bosphorus, and a part of the Asiatic hinterland are to be the reward of Russia's services in the war; and if this is not the nature of the understanding, what are the terms of it?

Mr. BONAR LAW

An announcement of this or any other matter on which the Allies may be agreed can only be made in agreement with the Allies.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Are we to understand that this House has no right to know what are the objects we are fighting for?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The House of Commons has a perfect right to know, but I think the House must give the Government a certain amount of discretion.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Cannot we have the information which has been given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Russia to the people of Russia, as regards Constantinople?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am not aware what information has been given, but I do know that this and other subjects are being considered by the Allies as a whole, and we have no intention of making a separate announcement.