There was another discussion on Friday week on the policy
of the Government in the Eastern Question, but it came, as usual, to nothing. Mr. Monk wanted to know if Great Britain would allow Constantinople to be tem- porarily occupied, thinking, as he explained, that we ought not to hinder that, but Sir Stafford Northcote refused to reply. Mr. Monk then accused both parties of an understanding, and Mr. Forster, though he entirely repudiated the charge, added :—" Speaking for myself and others, we should not have consented to this course, had we any reason to fear that the Government were likely between now and the opening of Par- liament to drag the country into war, or involve it in any breach of neutrality." That means, of course, that there is no under- standing, but that it is understood on both sides that if we are to fight, the consent of Parliament shall be asked. Sir Stafford Northcote also denied the existence of any understanding, but deprecated any discussion, because when Ministers " took Parlia- xnent into their confidence, they were also obliged to take everybody else." On Saturday Mr. Fawcett again started the same subject, but received substantially the same answer. The Government " knew and would give effect to their Constitutional obligations."
