HC Deb 30 January 1918 vol 101 cc1532-3
24 and 26. Mr. KING

asked (1) whether the territorial acquisitions assigned to Italy by Article 5 of the quartipartite treaty of 26th April. 1915, were submitted before the treaty was made to the Serbian or Montenegrin Governments, or to Dr. Trumbic, or any other person on behalf of the Yugo-Slav nationality; if so, whether any of these consented to the provisions of Article 5; (2) whether the territorial acquisitions assigned to Italy by Articles 5. and 6 of the quartipartite treaty made in London on 26th April, 1915, are now regarded, or were ever regarded, as war aims of the Allies without the attainment of which the War must be indefinitely continued?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)

I do not propose to discuss in public the terms of the secret treaty to which the hon. Gentleman refers.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is such a secret treaty or there is not?

Mr. BALFOUR

I do not think that I will even go that length.

25. Mr. KING

asked whether the negotiations which preceded the signing of the quartipartite treaty made in London on the 26th April, 1916, were carried on in Rome or in London; and, if in Rome, who were the persons who represented the British Government in these negotiations?

Mr. BALFOUR

The negotiations were conducted in London.