HC Deb 21 November 1916 vol 87 cc1179-80
12. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the terms under which the guaranteeing Powers protect the independence of Greece, there is expressed or implied any obligation on the King of Greece to reign as a constitutional monarch; whether he can state what sanctions are provided to keep the king within that role; whether the election to the throne must necessarily recognise what is called the hereditary principle; and whether, in the event of infringement of the conditions by the king, authority is given to the guaranteeing Powers to remove him?

Lord R. CECIL

As regards points 1, 2, and 4, I would refer the hon. Member to Article 3 of the Treaty of 1863 end to Article 43 of the Greek Constitution of 1864; and, as regards point 3, to Article I of the above-mentioned Treaty and to Article 45 of the Greek Constitution. The question of the sanctions which may be exercised by the guaranteeing Powers to give effect to their guarantee is clearly left for discussion between those Powers themselves, as is shown by the 8th Article of the Protocol of February, 1830.

Mr. LYNCH

I give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.