§ MR. FRANCIS EVANS (Southampton)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs upon what day he will lay upon the Table the correspondence which has passed between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Newfoundland, respecting the proposed Convention recently agreed between the Governments of the United States and of Newfoundland?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. de WORMS,) Liverpool, East ToxtethPerhaps I may be allowed to answer this question. Papers will be laid as soon as the interests of the Public Service permit.
§ MR. FRANCIS EVANSAm I to understand that in a question so closely affecting the immediate welfare of the people of Newfoundland a more definite answer cannot be given by the Government?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSIt would be contrary to precedent to present Papers while negotiations are in progress.
§ MR. FRANCIS EVANSI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have declined to assent to the Convention between the United States Government and the Government of Newfoundland?
MR. J. W. LOWTHERThe answer to the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. Her Majesty's Government have not been able to depart from the position which they have taken up that the negotiation of a Convention between the United States and Newfoundland must proceed pari, passu with the negotiation of an arrangement between Canada and the United States.
§ MR. FRANCIS EVANSDo I understand the hon. Gentleman to say that the Government have declined to assent to the Convention?