HC Deb 29 July 1872 vol 213 c45
LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the "Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation," between Her Majesty and the Republic of Honduras, signed at London, 27th August, 1856, in which Her Majesty "guarantees positively and efficaciously the entire neutrality" of the Interoceanic Route, and engages in conjunction with the Republic of Honduras, when the road is completed— To protect the same from interruption, seizure, or unjust confiscation from whatsoever quarter the attempt may proceed, is now still binding upon the High Contracting Powers?

VISCOUNT ENFIELD

Sir, the Treaty referred to by my noble Friend is no doubt still binding upon the High Contracting Powers; but it is held that the guarantee, according to the 2nd clause of the additional Article, does not take effect until the completion of the railroad from sea to sea.