§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Republic of Portugal has been recognised by this country; if so, at what date; whether in these circumstances it is usual to describe the former monarch of such State in our official State documents as King instead of ex-King; and will he take steps to have this matter put right?
§ Sir E. GREYThe Republic of Portugal was recognised by His Majesty's Government on September 11th, 1911. The late Sovereign of that country should not properly be described in official documents or elsewhere in such a way as to indicate that he is still its ruler. According to precedent the title of Emperor or King, as the case may be, has been accorded to those who have ceased to rule over or even to reside in the country of which they have been rulers. If the hon. Member will let me know what documents he refers to I will see whether they depart from precedent.