§ 36. Mr. HARDIEasked the Prime Minister what action was taken by the representative of His Majesty's Government at Athens to prevent the execution of former Greek Ministers who are being tried for high treason; and what are the reasons for any intervention that has taken place?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI stated yesterday that His Majesty's Government had urged the Greek Government not to permit the execution of the ex-Ministers, and had warned them that, if this step were taken, we should withdraw our representative. In taking this action His Majesty's Government were actuated by the general consideration that it is contrary to the practice of civilised Governments to put to death out-going Ministers on account of the failure of their policy. I may add that these executions were carried out by a committee resulting from a military revolution.
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether in this matter we acted in concert with our Allies; whether our Allies propose to take similar action in withdrawing their representatives from Athens, and, if not, why in this case alone we acted without consultation with our Allies?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn this case we did not act in concert with our Allies. It is a case in which, on its merits, we think the British Government were right in taking the action they took.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINMay I ask whether the Greek Minister has left or is leaving?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHe is not now in London. He was away before this happened.