§ 12. Mr. LYNCHasked whether the terms of the Treaty by which the integrity of Greece was guaranteed by the protecting Powers imposed on them an obligation to secure the succession to the Throne of the eldest son, if alive, of the previous monarch and, if not, whether any obligation existed to choose a monarch at all, or, if so, to choose the monarch from among the relatives of the former ruler?
Mr. BALFOURAs the hon. Member is aware, the guaranteeing Powers are bound by the Treaty of 1863 to maintain the monarchy in Greece. This Treaty provides, moreover, that the Greek Crown shall pass in hereditary succession, although it is not stipulated that this succession should be in order of primogeniture.
§ Mr. LYNCHCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why, when the Allies are fighting the German Kaiser, it is considered necessary to secure a member of his family for a throne in Europe?
Mr. BALFOURI have explained the nature of the Treaty at present in force, which governs these matters.