HC Deb 22 March 1911 vol 23 cc384-6
Earl WINTERTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Ambassador in the United States had been officially in communication with the President or Government of the United States since the right hon. Gentleman's announcement in the House on the subject of international arbitration, with a view to giving some practical effect to the proposals?

The UNDER-SECRETARY for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

It would be premature to make statements as to what has passed between the two Governments in addition to what was stated in reply to a question on the 8th instant.

Mr. REMNANT

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that answer in conformity with the statement by the Foreign Secretary, that all papers had been laid on the table up to date two days ago?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

There is no inconsistency. I think the hon. Member will recognise that continual public statements as to negotiations with other Powers before any conclusion is reached, would make negotiations impossible.

Mr. REMNANT

I will ask once more whether the right hon. Gentleman considers we are more likely to have any attention paid to our requests——

Mr. SPEAKER

It is not a question of what a Minister considers. Everyone can form his own opinion upon a review of the facts.

Earl WINTERTON

I will repeat the question this day week.

Earl WINTERTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have ascertained through the usual diplomatic channels the views of the Government of the French Republic and the Government of His Imperial Majesty the Mikado of Japan upon the proposal to submit all international disputes to arbitration; and, if not, whether he intends to ascertain their views?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I have nothing to add to the statements made by my right hon. Friend on the 16th inst.

Earl WINTERTON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the right hon. Gentleman has made no reference whatever to whether or not the views of the French Republic have been ascertained?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

That may be so, but I have nothing to add on the subject.

Earl WINTERTON

I give the hon. Gentleman notice that I will repeat the question till I obtain an answer.

Mr. SPEAKER

This is not a time for giving notice of questions. The Noble Lord can do that by handing them in.

Earl WINTERTON

On a point of Order. Would it be in order as a matter of courtesy to give the hon. Gentleman notice that I will raise the question either on the Consolidated Fund Bill to-morrow or, if I am not called, on the adjournment of the House?

The NOBLE LORD

also asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any scheme, supported by His Majesty's Government, for the reference of all international disputes to arbitration has been submitted to the Governments of the self- governing Dominions of the Empire; and, if so, whether he will lay their several answers upon the Table of the House?

The UNDER-SECRETARY for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)

No, Sir. I may refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Rutland by the Prime Minister on the 20th inst.

Earl WINTERTON

Does that answer refer to all the self-governing Dominions?

Colonel SEELY

I have the extract here, which the Noble Lord can see for himself. The point of the Prime Minister's answer was that there was no actual proposal before His Majesty's Government.