§ 5. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of General Hiescu, former chief of the Roumanian General Staff, that the Russian Government compelled Roumania to take up arms on behalf of the Allies in July of last year for the purpose of securing her defeat by the Central Powers in order to provide a reason for Russia making peace; and can he say whether His Majesty's Government had knowledge of the intention of the Russian Government to present an ultimatum to Roumania and gave diplomatic support in the matter?
§ Lord R. CECILI have seen the interview to which the hon. Member refers in the first part of his question. The answer to both parts of the second half of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEMay I ask whether the Noble Lord has knowledge of the presentation of an ultimatum by the late Russian Government to the Roumanian Government as indicated in that general sense?
§ Lord R. CECILNo, Sir.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEWhat I ask is, have you any knowledge now as to the ultimatum?
§ Lord R. CECILNo, Sir; not beyond what is stated in the interview.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEHas the Noble Lord seen the statement issued by the Austro-Hungarian Government in a Blue Book stating that such an ultimatum was presented?
§ Lord R. CECILWell, Sir, I should not pay very much attention to that.