MR. JACKSONasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If Her Majesty's Government will ask permission to send a representative of England to be present at the Conference about to be held to discuss the terms of Commercial Treaties between France and Belgium?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, Her Majesty's Government cannot make any such proposal, as it would be certain to be declined. I have already stated in this House that it would, I believe, be without precedent for a third Power to ask to take part in commercial negotiations between two other countries. If, however, the French Government were inclined to consent to an examination by delegates of the Powers affected of the proposed specific duties, Her Majesty's Government would make no objection.