SIR G. BADKN-POWELLI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any further information as to the appropriation by Congress, before its rising, of the moneys necessary for the payment of the sum of 425,000 dols. agreed to by the Government of the United States under the Behring Sea Arbitration Award as compensation to British sealers?
§ SIR E. GREYA telegram has been received from Her Majesty's Ambassador at Washington, reporting that, on the 25th instant, the proposed appropriation for the payment of 425,000 dols. as compensation to British sealers had been rejected in the House of Representatives by an adverse vote of 143 to 112.
§ SIR G. BADEN-POWELLasked, whether the hon. Gentleman had any information as to further steps being taken by the Government of the United States?
§ SIR E. GREYwas not sure whether this rejection was absolutely final, but if it was final, of course the claims would have to be inquired into by the Commission in detail.
§ MR. W. R. CREMER (Shoreditch, Haggerston)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to state the total amount of liabilities incurred by this country in the Behring Sea Arbitration; whether the whole amount was paid by this country; and, if any portion of the costs were paid by the Canadian Government, will he state what that proportion was?
§ SIR E. GREYThe total amount of expenses paid by this country was £36,661 15s. 4d. This, however, includes payments to be shared by the Canadian Government; but the accounts with Canada have not yet been finally adjusted. As soon as they have been settled a Return will be laid.