HC Deb 24 March 1908 vol 186 c1210
MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any understanding exists between Great Britain and any Foreign Power which imposes upon the British Government an obligation to keep up either the naval or military forces of the Crown, or any part of them, to any particular strength or standard?

SIR EDWARD GREY

The Answer is in the negative. There is no undertaking imposing such an obligation.