HC Deb 05 July 1917 vol 95 cc1259-60
3. Mr. PON SON BY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information showing that the German Chancellor has declared that Beligum must form part of the economic system of Germany and of the military and naval defence of Germany; and, if so, on what occasion the statement was made?

Lord R. CECIL

I have no official information beyond that contained in the speeches of the German Chancellor as published in the Press. The hon. Member must form his own judgment as to the meaning of those speeches, but I cannot myself doubt that the speeches of 9th December, 1915, and 6th April. 1916. are on this point correctly summarised in the words quoted in the question.

Mr. PONSONBY

Is the Noble Lord aware that the words quoted in the question are those used by the Prime Minister in his Glasgow speech as representing a statement made by the German Chancellor, while apparently from the reply no such statement was made?

Lord R. CECIL

I do not at all agree with that interpretation. I am quite aware that the words were used by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, and I had said that in my view they were a correct summary of what the Chancellor said.