§ 8. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the annexationist 2060 claims of Italy to territory in the possession of Austria at the outbreak of hostilities is the main obstacle to the making of peace with Austria and tends to the indefinite prolongation of the War to the detriment of British interests, he will propose to the Italian Government that some abatement of these claims should be made?
§ Lord R. CECILI do not accept the hon. Gentleman's statement of fact, and am of opinion that the subject of his inquiry cannot properly be dealt with by way of question and answer.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has seen the text of the secret treaty in regard to Italian claims, and whether those claims are still being supported or demanded?
§ Lord R. CECILMy right hon. Friend, and I think I also, said more than once that we do not think it possible to discuss the terms of a treaty which the hon. Member himself describes as secret.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIs there any reason why—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI would point out that we have a record number of questions on the Paper, and I hope the House will exercise forbearance in the number of supplementary questions.