HC Deb 21 March 1918 vol 104 cc1134-5
6. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Greek Government has reduced the pension to ex-King Constantine; and whether, in view of his statement in this House that ex-King Constantine received nothing at all, he will now state the amount which is paid to him?

Lord R. CECIL

I have no information as to the reduction of the pension to the ex-King Constantine. As far as I know, the statement made to us by the Greek Government that King Constantine has, in fact, received nothing still holds good.

Mr. LYNCH

How does that tally with the fact that it has been resolved in the Greek Parliament to reduce his pension by the sum, as stated, of £2,000?

Lord R. CECIL

I am not aware that it has been so resolved.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

Could the Noble Lord say whether the British Government, either officially or unofficially, diplomatically or undiplomatically, are conducting any communications whatsoever with King Constantine?

Lord R. CECIL

No, Sir; none whatever.

Mr. KING

Is not the difficulty in this matter possibly due to equivocation between pensions and the Civil List, and does the Noble Lord's answer cover all payments arising out of the Civil List of Greece as well as pensions?

Lord R. CECIL

Yes; I think probably the questions are prompted by a statement that appeared in the newspapers. I imagine that is what the hon. Member has in mind, and I have no more information than he has about that statement. If he will read it clearly, he will see that it is not clear that it refers to King Constantine. It may equally refer to the present King of Greece. My impression is that what has happened is a reduction in the Civil List of the present King, and that it has nothing whatever to do with the pension of King Constantine. I may be wrong in that; it is only my reading of the same document.

Mr. BILLING

May I ask whether, in referring to King Constantine, he means to imply that the British Government still recognises that he is a king?

Lord R. CECIL

No, Sir; but it is usual to refer to an ex-King in that way.