§ 10. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Minister at Athens has left his post; and, if so, what reason can be urged for withdrawing him at the present crisis?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. British and French diplomacy in Greece having been entrusted to the care of the High Commissioner of the two Powers, it is undesirable that a Minister of Sir F. Elliot's position and seniority should remain in Athens in a subordinate position.
§ Mr. KINGHas he not been there so many years and accumulated such a vast experience that he must be of great assistance to a stranger, comparatively new to the conditions that exist there?
§ Mr. BALFOURI have no doubt that Sir Francis Elliot would be of great assistance to anybody. There is no reason why he should have a subordinate position.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLIs there any precedent for the withdrawal of a British Minister in such a fashion as this? There is none, so far as I know.
§ Mr. BALFOURI should think there are many precedents.