HC Deb 21 June 1917 vol 94 cc1943-4
19. Mr. LEES SMITH

asked whether any communication has been received from Russia proposing a new conference of the Allies for the purpose of revising and restating the Allied war aims?

Mr. BALFOUR

No communication has so far been received by His Majesty's Government, but I have heard that the matter is under the consideration of the Russian Government.

20. Mr. SMITH

asked whether the proposals with regard to Alsace-Lorraine contain any suggestions for ascertaining the desires of the populations inhabiting the two provinces?

Mr. BALFOUR

I do not know to what proposals the hon. Member refers. So far as I know, none exist which have not been published, and the hon. Member can form as good a judgment of their terms as I can.

Mr. SMITH

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether in the proposals which he himself included in his letter to the President of the United States with regard to Alsace and Lorraine he accepts the principle laid down by President Wilson that no populations are to be transferred from one sovereignty to another without their wishes being ascertained?

Mr. BALFOUR

I do not propose to discuss President Wilson's Notes.

Mr. LYNCH

Had not you better finish with the German menace this time once for all?