§ 45. Mr. RONALD McNEILLasked the Prime Minister whether the declaration made by the right hon. Member for Paisley on the 20th January, 1916, that England would continue the War with energy until Montenegro and Serbia had been re-established as independent kingdoms has ever been repudiated and is recognised as binding in Honour on the nation on whose behalf it was made by the then Prime Minister; whether it is still the policy of the Government as regards Montenegro that she shall be reestablished as an independent kingdom; and, if not, will he say on what date and for what reason that policy was changed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs regards the first part of the question, the declaration of the late Prime Minister is accurately summarised by my hon. Friend, but he realises the difficulties that have arisen from a division of opinion in Montenegro itself as to the future government of that country.
§ Mr. McNEILLDoes the policy of this country still remain unaltered; and does the right hon. Gentleman still adhere 639 to the policy put forward as one of our main war aims, which was endorsed by the American and the French Governments—does that remain the policy of the Government?
Sir J. D. REESWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he thinks the British taxpayer can spare one single "Bradbury" for Montenegro; and ought not the British nation's affection for these small nations to be of a purely platonic character?
§ Mr. McNEILLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in replying to my question, to disregard the flippancy of my hon. Friend. The question is a serious one?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is not a question of change of attitude; it is a question of fact as to what the Montenegrins themselves wish. If they are really desirous of entering into a great Slavonic Confederation, there is no reason why we should force independence upon them.
§ Mr. McNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that no real steps are being taken to ensure that they shall give free expression as to what is their view?
Sir J. D. REESMay I ask the Prime Minister—in spite of the ponderous rebuke of my hon. Friend—whether it is not a fact that British taxpayers cannot afford a "Bradbury" for Montenegro?
§ Mr. DEVLINMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can assure the hon. Gentleman who asked this question that, whether or not Montenegro was mentioned, there was a general declaration that this was a fight for the freedom of small nationalities, and would the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the hon. Gentleman who put the question that he should join with me in getting freedom for Ireland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI believe the hon. Member has done so!