§ 23. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the fourteen points stated by President Wilson, on the acceptance of which the German Government is now negotiating with President Wilson for a cessation of hostilities, have been definitely approved by Great Britain or the Allies; if not, whether they will now be formally approved; and, if already approved, whether any extensions or reservations were made?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)It is not desirable at the present moment to discuss the matters raised in this question.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that meetings are contemplated in London protesting against the fourteen points, and is it not well therefore that there should be a declaration from His Majesty's Government as to their policy?
§ Mr. BALFOURI was not aware of that.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether President Wilson has at all approached this Government with regard to these negotiations?
§ Mr. BALFOURI ventured to suggest half a moment ago that it is not desirable to discuss this matter now, and I hope that reply of mine will be allowed to stand.
§ Mr. HOGGEMay I ask why those of us who have borne the brunt of this War for four years cannot know what the Government, who is responsible to this House, has to say with regard to that point?
§ Mr. BALFOURI am quite sure that the efforts of my hon. Friend have been of the strenuous character he has suggested—
§ Mr. BALFOURI was not criticising the energy of the hon. Gentleman, nor do I desire to do so; but what I wanted to point out was that it was not expedient in the public interest that the constant communications between the various Allied Governments should always be thrown on the Table of the House in the course of the negotiations to which they apply.
§ Mr. KINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman extend that principle so far as to discourage public discussions in public meetings?
§ Mr. BALFOURPublic discussions in public meetings may or may not be expedient, but I do not see what relation they have to questions asked across the floor of the House.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan we be assured by the Government that these covert attacks on the policy of President Wilson in the Press will be put a stop to?
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre they not being encouraged by the Government?
§ Mr. BALFOURThat suggestion should not be made. The Government have done nothing—and the hon. Member must know they have done nothing—to justify the insinuation which he has just made.