§ *MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has seen the statement of the Dix-Neuvième Siècle quoted in the evening papers of Friday, that Messrs. Clarkson and Company, the English firm contracting for the transport of French war material to Madagascar, are also to convey, in English vessels, French officers to carry on war with a friendly Power; and, if so, what steps the British Government intend to make to prevent this action?
§ *SIR E. GREYWe cannot take steps founded on unauthorised statements in the public press, but I may add that, so far as we are aware of the facts, there has not been, as we are at present advised, any breach of international law which calls for our interference.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked whether it was true, as stated by an official Note published in the French Press, that the British Government had decided "not to issue a Declaration of Neutrality with reference to the conflict which had arisen between France and the Malagasy Government," and "not to interfere, with the contracts concluded by certain English firms for the transport of material for the French troops," and, if so, upon what grounds of law or property; whether the Malagasy Government had always treated this country, and British interests generally, in a friendly and loyal manner, and whether the assistance to be rendered by the conveyance of French stores and combatants to the scene of the conflict would be notified beforehand by Her 957 Majesty's Ministers to that Government; and, whether the British Government still adhered to the statement of the hon. Gentleman in reply to a question in the House on the 7th inst., that "Her Majesty's Government will remain neutral," and if so, whether the permission accorded to British subjects to convey French stores and combatants would not after all be withdrawn?
§ *SIR E. GREYHer Majesty's Government have decided that as it does not appear that there is any intention of claiming belligerent rights against neutrals on the high seas, it is not necessary to issue a Proclamation of Neutrality. The legitimate interests of British commerce afford the text, by which the propriety of a Proclamation of Neutrality should, in law, be judged, and there are accordingly several occasions on which none has been issued. A neutral Government is not bound by the rules of International Law to prevent neutral ships from conveying materials for a belligerent, and it would be an extension of the duties of a neutral Government if such obligation were admitted. There can be no question of such direct permission as the hon. Member seems to contemplate being given. Her Majesty's Government intend to remain neutral, and will, therefore, observe the obligations of neutrality.
§ *MR. T. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)asked whether Her Majesty's subjects retained the rights they enjoyed in time of peace of supplying both France and Madagascar with warlike stores and materials, and with ships armed and equipped for war, and of having free access to the coasts and ports both of France and of Madagascar without interference either by visit or search on the high seas, or by pretended blockade or otherwise, on the part of either party to these hostilities; and, whether Her Majesty's subjects would be protected by Her Majesty's Government in the exercise of these rights?
§ *SIR E. GREYsaid this was a very complicated question, and he would ask the hon. Member to postpone it.
§ *MR. W. JOHNSTONWill there be any objection on the part of Her Majesty's Government to a volunteer corps assisting the Malagasy forces?
§ *SIR E. GREYIf the hon. Member 958 will give me full particulars of any such preparations, I will give him an answer.