§ 19. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, at the time, a year ago, of the refusal of the British Government to consider peace negotiations, and in particular the proposals of the Kerensky Government, he was aware that President Poincaré was in possession of a letter from the Emperor Karl of Austria stating that he would support, by every means and use all his personal influence with his Allies, the French just claims regarding Alsace-Lorraine, and affirming that the sovereignty of Belgium should be restored, as also that of Serbia with an outlet to the sea provided?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)We have given the most careful consideration in our power to this question and to others on the same subject which appear on the 42 Paper, and have come to the deliberate conclusion that, for the present at least, the public interests would not be served by discussion in this House, whether by way of question and answer or otherwise. I hope, therefore, that hon. Members will not press me further on the matter.