HC Deb 18 June 1924 vol 174 cc2119-20
50. Mr. H. H. SPENCER

asked the Prime Minister if he can inform the House whether he knows of any secret treaties entered into by His Majesty's Government which were in existence at the declaration of the Great War; and, if so, whether such treaties are among those which have been published since?

The PRIME MINISTER

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the 12th May, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. SPENCER

In reference to the reply which was given to me to the effect that the Prime Minister had found no such secret treaties, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that his colleague the First Commissioner of Works stated definitely at the Bradford May Day Demonstration that there were such secret treaties in existence on the outbreak of the War, and can he explain the discrepancy between these statements?

The PRIME MINISTER

I did not read the statement said to be made by my right hon. Friend, but if it is as inaccurately reported as what I said here is reported by the hon. Member, then I understand it.

Mr. SPENCER

If I send the Prime Minister a Press report of the definite statement made by his colleague, will he then, instead of referring me to a previous answer, tell me whether these treaties were in existence or not? [HoN. MEMBERS: "Answer!"]