HC Deb 06 March 1917 vol 91 c189
3. Mr. DAVID MASON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the statement by the Imperial German Chancellor, that His Majesty's Government had shown a scornful refusal of Germany's readiness for peace, he will inform the House to which document or occurrence the Chancellor's statement refers?

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Before the Noble Lord answers this question may I ask him whether it is in the scope of the duties of the Foreign Office to verify statements of the German Chancellor, whose word no one in this country believes in?

Lord R. CECIL

I am much obliged to the hon. Member. I was just going to say that I am in no better position than is the hon. Member (Mr. D. Mason) to express an opinion on the point.

Mr. MASON

Does the Noble Lord mean that there was no scornful refusal by His Majesty's Government?