THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYI wish to ask the noble Marquess a question of which I have given him private notice—that, is, whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the determination now come to by the Powers with regard to their course of action as to Greece and Crete?
§ THE PRIME MINISTER (The MARQUESS of SALISBURY)The only answer I can give to that question which states any act not already formally known to the House is, that instructions have been given to the Admirals for the blockade of the island of Crete. Beyond that I do not think that there is anything which corresponds with the description implied by the question of the noble Earl. It is not, perhaps, quite regular, but I may tell him that he will find an admirable statement of the policy of the Powers, though not containing any fact or many facts absolutely new, in the speeches of M. Hanotaux and M. Méline in the French Chamber—two speeches in which I heartily concur.
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYI may say that I have read, with all the attention they deserve, the two speeches to which the noble Marquess has referred, but I must say I should prefer to hear a statement of the policy of Her Majesty's Government from the lips of Her Majesty's own Minister rather than to learn it from the Ministers of a foreign State.
§ THE PRIME MINISTERThat is quite correct, if the noble Lord has not already heard it, as I understand he has. I think the House has heard all I can give in explanation of the policy of the 746 Powers to which Her Majesty's Government have assented. I am not aware that I have omitted anything. If I have I make apology. I have tried to state the views of Her Majesty's Government, and if I have not done so in the brilliant language of M. Hanotaux and M. Méline it is my misfortune and not my fault.
§ House adjourned at Half past Four o'clock, to Thursday next, a Quarter past Ten o'clock.