§ 16. Mr. LYNCHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the fall of the Russian despotism will have any effect in modifying the policy of the Allies towards Greece; whether he is aware that King Constantine is in constant communication with the Kaiser; and whether, in view of the new political situation, a more energetic programme will be adopted in the Balkans?
Mr. BALFOURThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative, and I am unable for obvious reasons to make any statement in regard to the last part.
§ Mr. LYNCHIs it not a fact that the condition of Greece represents on a small scale the condition in Russia before the fall of the Czar, and that by your policy you are supporting those parties in Greece who are favourable to the German Emperor?
Mr. BALFOURHistorical parallels are treacherous and dangerous grounds which I could not venture to traverse by way of question and answer in this House.
§ Mr. LYNCHIs there not something more dangerous and treacherous—that is, a weak and cowardly foreign policy?
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEWith regard to the present King Constantine is there not—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThere are 195 questions on the Paper, and there are many hon. Members who wish to ask questions.
§ 17. Mr. LYNCHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been directed to a recent interview given by M. Venizelos to the Agence Havas, in which the Greek statesman said that the Allies, in promising him support, made the express stipulation that his movement must not be anti-dynastic, and that the imposition of such a condition deprived his movement of much of its effective value, even in regard to aiding the cause of the Allies; and whether, in view of the change of regime in Russia, the Allies will still maintain the policy indicated?
Mr. BALFOURI have seen the interview referred to, but cannot accept the hon. Member's account of it as accurate or complete. With regard to the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to previous declarations of the policy by His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. LYNCHIs not this interview in complete accord with the statements in the Italian Chamber by Signor Boselli, the Prime Minister of Italy, that the movement of M. Venizelos must not be anti-dynastic, otherwise it would not receive the favour of the Allies?
Mr. BALFOURI have heard of the statement of the Italian Prime Minister, but if the hon. Gentleman wishes an answer he must give me notice of the question.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have called the next question.
§ 61. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether he will now give the House full information upon the deliberations and decisions of the Rome Conference and upon the position in Greece?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I am not in a position to make any statement.
§ Mr. LYNCHShould not we have the light on these important questions? Why should the House of Commons not be informed on a question connected with a policy which has been adopted?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThis is one of the questions which in time of war it is necessary to keep secret.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGShall we have an opportunity of discussing this in Secret Session?