HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 cc1280-1
23. Major CHAPPLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the growing military and economic pressure exerted by the Allies upon Turkey and the evidence of the desire of her people for a separate peace, he will now announce, in conjunction with our Allies, that under no circumstances will terms of peace be discussed or concluded with Germany on her behalf, or on behalf of Bulgaria, Austria, or Hungary, but that each of these countries must make a separate appeal?

Mr. BALFOUR

I regret that I can add nothing to the reply returned to the hon. and gallant Member on 85th October last.

Major CHAPPLE

Does the right hon. Gentleman know the views of our Allies on this question?

Mr. BALFOUR

I am not aware that the views of our Allies in any sense differ from our own.

24. Major CHAPPLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statement of the Russian Minister for Justice to the effect that Russia will be content with the internationalisation of Constantinople; whether this indicates that the demand made upon Turkey in the terms of peace suggested to the United States will be modified; and. if so, whether, in conjunction with the Allies, he will state what these modifications are?

Mr. BALFOUR

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Nothing has been said to us by the Russian Government on the subject.

25. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Allies seek the dismemberment of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as alleged by the Junker party in Germany, for the purpose of combating the peace agitation of the Socialists?

Mr. BALFOUR

I do not think it desirable to add anything to the statement of the Allies' War aims already made in their joint reply to President Wilson's Note of 19th December.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the statement that various nationalities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire are to be liberated necessarily means dismemberment, or whether a system of Home Rule would satisfy the Allies?

Mr. BALFOUR

I have already said that I do not propose to add anything to the answer already given, and now the hon. Gentleman asks me to add something. I think I must adhere to the first answer that I gave.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

I was asking for an explanation.