CAPTAIN CRAIGOn behalf of the hon. Member for Mid Armagh, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to explain Why the British Empire was not officially represented at the celebrations connected 1412 with the opening of the Carnegie Institute, at Pittsburg, whereas other Powers, notably Germany, sent influential delegations and high Government officials to attend the ceremony.
§ MR. RUNCIMANInvitations were issued to the heads of foreign missions only, but had no official character. His Majesty's Ambassador had only just returned from an official visit to Canada, and had important business to transact in Washington, which made it impossible for him to absent himself again so soon, especially as during the following week he was due to attend the National Arbitration and Peace Congress Conference at New York, and a Conference at Philadelphia. Neither the German, Austro-Hungarian, French, nor Russian Embassies were represented at Pittsburg. It is understood that the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge were represented at the celebrations at Pittsburg, and on such an occasion the presence of members of the greatest educational institutions of the country would appear to be the form of representation most suitable and convenient.
§ MR. LEAasked if any communication or protest had been received by the British Ambassador on the subject.
§ MR. RUNCIMANI am not aware of any.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Was there any Ambassador present from East Down?