HC Deb 13 November 1917 vol 99 cc349-50
Mr. LYNCH

To-day I asked a question relating to the visit to this country of Prince Nicholas of Greece, and I received an unsatisfactory answer from the representative of the Foreign Office. I therefore desire in a few minutes to lay before the House the gravity of that matter, and to show how it was linked, either directly or indirectly, with important events affecting the very fate of this country. For the visit of Prince Nicholas of Greece to this country was not in any sense the visit of an exalted person, received with courtesy and enjoying the usual hospitality of this country. That man came from a Court which we now know to be bitterly hostile to the Allies. He came as a direct emissary from that hostile Court. He was received with open arms. He enjoyed exceptional facilities in this country, and immediately after his visit he proceeded to Berlin by special train, and was received with open arms by the German Kaiser. In order to show the gravity of this matter, I will call forth a few cardinal facts which have been found in the correspondence, after the deposition of King Constantine, in the archives of Athens. As far back as 21st January, 1916, a definite contract seems to have been made between the German Kaiser and King Constantine, whereby King Constantine agreed to offer various facilities of a military nature to the Kaiser, to swear that he would never take up arms against the Kaiser, and that he would hamper any attempt of the Allies to use a military force in Greece.

Notice taken that forty Members were not present.

Mr. LYNCH

I beg to give notice that if I am counted out I will raise this question again and again until I get a hearing, in spite of the mean tricks which are now the only resort of the Government.

Sir MAURICE LEVY

Is it in order for a Member to use the expression, "mean tricks"?

Mr. SPEAKER

It is not in order for an hon. Member to attempt to address the House when a count has been called.

Mr. KING

Is it not also out of order to attempt to raise a point of Order when a count is on?

House counted, and, forty Members not being present,

The House was adjourned at Twenty-five minutes before Eleven o'clock.