§ Mr. S. MacNEILLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to the fact that wherever a part of the Greek Dominion is in fact under the government of M. Venizelos or his provisional government he is recognised by His Majesty's Government as the ruler of that portion, diplomatic relations have been established between the provisional government of M. Venizelos and His Majesty's Government, with full recognition of its status as the government of an independent and belligerent State, in accordance with the attitude of Great Britain to the Confederate government in the American Civil War; whether, if such recognition be not accorded to the Greek provisional government by His Majesty's Government, while acknowledging its existence, there is any precedent for such a course; and what are the reasons which prevail with His Majesty's Government for its adoption?
§ Lord R. CECILThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, it is of common occurrence that relations should be opened for purposes of convenience with ade facto Government. As regards the last part, I would refer the hon. Member to the Debate which took place on this subject on the 31st ultimo, and I respectfully would ask hon. Members generally not to put questions that appear as if the attitude towards Greek questions was one in which His Majesty's Government were Acting, or were expected by the House to act, alone and independently of their Allies.