HC Deb 21 February 1918 vol 103 cc887-8
2. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the memorandum of agreement between Britain, France, and Russia, embodying the arrangements made in the spring of 1916 for the partition of the Turkish Empire after the War, still embodies undertakings to which this country is bound; and whether he will indicate what are the religious interests in Palestine of this country which the memorandum declares are to be secured?

Lord R. CECIL

As I have already pointed out, I cannot at present undertake to discuss these agreements. The version of this particular agreement given by the hon. Member is entirely inaccurate.

Mr. KING

Is it quite inaccurate to say that we do not recognise any special religious interests in Palestine?

Lord R. CECIL

I do not think that that quite covers my answer. What I said was that the version of the hon. Member was entirely inaccurate, but I cannot discuss these agreements.

Mr. KING

As the last part of the question is not covered by the answer, cannot some answer be made to it?

Lord R. CECIL

Quite obviously not. The hon. Member asks what religious interests in Palestine of this country are to be secured, and I have told the hon. Member that I cannot discuss these agreements.