§ MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House what are the terms of the reference to the International Naval Conference which is to meet in London on 1st December next; and what nations will be represented at this Conference.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe Governments of Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain and the United States have accepted the invitation of His Majesty's Government to take part in a Conference with a view to arrive at an agreement as to the principles of law to be applied by the International Prize Court, which it is hoped to set up at the Hague in accordance with the provisions of the Convention to that effect, annexed to the General Act of the Second Peace Conference of 1907.
§ MR. BOWLESDo I understand that the terms of reference are not yet settled?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI quoted from the terms of invitation. There will be a draft document to form the basis of discussion, but that is not ready as yet.