§ Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury— in the absence of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs—whether, in view of the fact that Great Britain was almost the first European nation to recognise the independence of the Argentine Republic, and in consequence of the large commercial and financial interests existing between the two countries, involving upward of £300,000,000 of British capital, of which £170,597,220 is invested in railways, the Government will consider the desirability of sending a more important and more representative Legation and a stronger and more up-to-date naval squadron from this country on the occasion of the celebration of the centenary of Argentine independence.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Master of Elibank)We have already expressed the desire of his Majesty's Government to mark their appreciation of the importance of the forthcoming celebration of the Argentine centenary. The hon. Member is apparently unaware that large vessels are 656 unable to get near to Buenos Ayres. As a matter of fact, His Majesty's Government are sending a more powerful squadron than any other European nation.