§ 6. Mr. R. MCNEILLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date the British contribution to the sum of 10,000,000 drachmae advanced to the Government of M. Venizelos by the Allied Governments was at the disposal of M. Venizelos?
§ Lord R. CECILM. Venizelos was informed on the 10th instant that this advance would be made and was asked to furnish His Majesty's Government with an expression of his wishes as to the manner in which it could most conveniently be placed at his disposal. M. Venizelos' reply was received on the 17th instant and arrangements are now being made to give effect to his wishes.
§ Mr. MCNEILLThen when the Noble Lord said, more than a week ago that an advance of 10,000,000 drachmae had been made by the Allied Governments, he was misinformed on the subject?
§ Lord R. CECILIt appears that I ought not to have said "had been made," but "was in process of being made."
§ 10 and 11. Commander BELLAIRSasked (1) whether His Majesty's Government will take measures to see that the towns of Grevena, Servia, and Litohori, which are said to mark the southern boundary of the neutral zone, in which so many outrages have been committed and are still being committed against 1551 adherents of M. Venizelos by royal troops, will now be included within the neutral zone, so that their inhabitants will be defended against further outrage; and (2) whether His Majesty's Government will take measures to ensure that followers of M. Venizelos who happen to inhabit towns in Old Greece, or towns to the south of the neutral zone now established, will receive every opportunity, and will be allowed by the royal government, to leave its jurisdiction and cross the neutral zone to the jurisdiction of M. Venizelos?
§ Lord R. CECILI must point out to my hon. and gallant Friend that suggestions that His Majesty's Government should take measures for this or that purpose do not take account of the real situation in Greece. The decision of all such matters rests with the Allied Governments, and I cannot say more than that these matters are receiving, and will continue to receive, the attention of those Governments. To say more than this one way or the other would necessarily give the impression that we were trying to impose our will on the Allies by making a public statement designed to force their hands. I hope hon. Members will not make co-operation with the Allies difficult by ignoring their existence in questions which are put upon the Paper, and which seem to expect separate action on the part of His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman communicate to the Allies the view that we will have nothing more to do with Constantine's Government?
§ Lord R. CECILOf course, we are in constant communication with the Allies.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWith that in view?