HC Deb 20 June 1917 vol 94 cc1759-60
11. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the first occasion on which the protecting Powers first discovered a departure from constitutional action on the part of ex-King Constantine; and when, if there was more than one occasion, the last of such irregularities occurred, and what circumstances of special gravity had arisen to cause the Allies to proceed to the extreme step of deposition?

Mr. BALFOUR

That the King acted unconsitutionally in dismissing M. Veni-zelos, in dissolving the Parliament then in existence and thereafter governing autocratically, is beyond doubt. The policy of the Powers in pressing for the King's resignation must not, however, be judged on merely technical grounds, but on broad considerations of policy, which cannot be adequately dealt with in answer to a question.

Mr. S. MacNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the dismissal of M. Venizelos was in October, 1915, nearly two years ago, and King Constantine has been allowed to stay on all that time?

Mr. BALFOUR

That is not the question.

Mr. LYNCH

Has not the delay in dealing with King Constantine blocked one promising avenue of ultimate victory?

15. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the decision of the Allies to remove King Constantine from Greece involved any other persons; and whether any of the agents of King Constantine, whom we have now ascertained to be pro-German, will be allowed to remain in the entourage of King Alexander?

Mr. BALFOUR

This matter is now under discussion with the Greek Government.

Mr. LYNCH

Will a certain amount of energy be shown in regard to this matter?

17. Mr. WATT

asked whether the Allies fixed the place of residence of the ex-King of Greece and his family or whether he was allowed to choose where he would go; and, if the latter, was there any limitation whatever put on his choice?

Mr. BALFOUR

His place of residence was not determined for the ex-King of Greece by the Allies, but was chosen by himself.

Mr. WATT

Is there any truth in the rumour that he is to come to this country by easy stages?