§ MR. LABOUCHEREI beg to ask the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has seen in the Times of this morning an extract from the National Zeitung, stating—
It is believed in the best-informed circles that an understanding was arrived at at Osborne assuring an identity of policy between the Powers forming the Triple Alliance and England in European questions, and making provision for all the consequences of this policy.I would also ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is anything justifying "the best-informed circles" in entertaining this view?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONThe article in question is manifestly founded on pure conjecture. Its character is shown by the statement that "the arrangements made with the Salisbury Government will be adhered to by their successors." The reply that I gave to the hon. Gentleman on the 19 th ult. remains in force—namely, that the action of Her Majesty's Government in the event of war breaking out will be decided, like all other questions of policy, by the circumstances of that particular time and the interests of this country. Her Majesty's Government have entered into no engagements fettering their liberty in that respect.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that absolutely no communication took place on this matter during the time that the Emperor of Germany was in England?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONI do not know what conversation took place during the visit of the German Emperor to Osborne. It is absurd to suppose that there was no communication.