§ 2. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to the lease by Germany from Greece of the islets of Petalia between Cape Sounion and the island of Euboea and the purpose for which these are going to be used; whether he can give an assurance that they are not intended to be utilised as naval, military, or air bases; and whether he can give particulars of the terms and purposes of the recent loan by Germany to Greece?
§ Mr. EdenHis Majesty's Government have been assured by the Greek Government that the islands to which the hon. Member refers in the first part of his question are the private property of a Greek national, and that no lease of them of any kind has been given to anybody. As regards the last part of the question, my information is that in virtue of a law, published on 30th January, 1937, the Greek Government obtained authority to issue 3 per cent. Treasury bonds for an amount not exceeding 27,000,000 Reichsmarks to pay for State supplies in Germany. I have no information as to the extent to which such Treasury bonds have at present been issued.
§ Mr. ManderHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to any negotiations that may be taking place for the lease of these islands?