HC Deb 08 October 1924 vol 177 c482
2. Lieut.-Colonel JAMES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has recently received any reports dealing with the internal condition of Montenegro; and whether he considers that any steps can be properly taken to alleviate the condition of the Montenegrin patriots?

Mr. PONSONBY

The only report received hitherto from the newly appointed Vice-Consul at Cettinje was concerned with the capture and execution of a Montenegrin brigand. His Majesty's Government will await further reports before forming any opinion whether the comitadji movement which undoubtedly exists in Montenegro is really patriotic in character. They have no desire to complicate by any undue interference the difficult problem which Montenegro presents to the Serbo-Croat-Slovene Government.

Lieut.-Colonel JAMES

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that, as in the case of the Sudan, the English Government have certain responsibilities towards the Montenegrins?