§ 13. Mr. LYNCHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the names of those gentlemen who have been permitted to exchange German titles for English titles, and who are relatives of the ex-Tzar of Russia; whether the Russian Government was consulted beforehand; and, if not, whether, in view of the importance of respecting the susceptibilities of the Russian people, he will issue an explanatory message to Russia?
Mr. BALFOURAs regards the first part of the question—which does not altogether correctly represent the facts—the hon. Member will find the information he requires in any book of reference. As regards the remainder of the question, it is not the custom in this country to consult foreign Governments before conferring titles upon British subjects, and the suggestion made by the hon. Member, that an explanation should be given to the Russian people is, I feel sure, unnecessary.
§ Mr. LYNCHAre you not in an extraordinary position, and is it not well to dissipate in Russia the impression that prevails there that this Government is secretly in favour of the old régime which has been so discredited and which has passed away?
Mr. BALFOURThe Government, as I have already explained in answer to another Gentleman, does not interfere in the domestic affairs of other nations, and if so strange a fallacy really has currency in Russia I do not think it would be dissipated by any answer to a supplementary question here.
§ Mr. DEVLINDoes the right hon. Gentleman maintain that this Government does not interfere in the affairs of Ireland?