Hague Conference—Signature of the Convention.

HC Deb 30 June 1908 vol 191 c566

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the result of the careful consideration of the various conventions and instrument annexed to the final Act of the Hague Conference, promised before 30th June, has led to further instructions by His Majesty's Government as to signing all or a portion of them with or without reservations.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY,) Northumberland, Berwick

The British Plenipotentiaries, acting under instructions, proceeded to The Hague and signed yesterday the various instruments annexed to the final Act of the Hague Conference, with the exception of the Convention creating an International Prize Court, which remains open for signature for another year. Papers will shortly be laid showing what States have signed the various instruments, the period for signing which expires to-day, and the nature of the reservation made by this and other countries.