§ MR. PHILIP STANHOPE (Burnley)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Governments of Russia and of the United States of America have definitely ratified the Convention of the Hague Conference; whether Her Majesty's. Government have also notified their ratification; and whether he can state what Governments have agreed to ratification, and what Governments have refrained from doing so; and in the latter case, the reasons assigned by the Governments in question for delay.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURHer Majesty's Government have been informed that the Emperor of Russia has ratified the Convention, and it is believed that the ratification of the President of the United States has not been formally deposited. The answer to the second paragraph is in the negative. Her Majesty's Government have no definite information as to the intentions of other Powers, but they believe that owing to Parliamentary requirements ratification may in some cases be delayed.
§ MR. PHILIP STANHOPEput a further question, of which Mr. A. J. Bal-four asked for notice.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDAre these arrangements for arbitration never to be put in force by England except when she is confronted by a great Power —when, in fact, you are afraid of getting licked?