§ Mr. BIRDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to our trade interests in Chili, the British Navy will be represented at the forthcoming centenary celebrations of that Republic?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)His Majesty's Government are precluded from being represented at the Chilian, as at the Argentine, centenary celebrations by the national mourning. The reason for their abstention has been explained to the Chilian Government.
§ Mr. BIRDWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the magnitude of our trade interests in Chili and the very serious competition to which we are exposed, and consider the desirability of conciliating the goodwill of the inhabitants of Chili, and therefore will he humbly suggest to His Majesty the desirability of relaxing the regulations?
§ Sir E. GREYI quite admit the importance of our interests in Chili, but I am sure the Republic of Chili thoroughly understands the position, because exactly the same thing occurred in the case of the Argentine Republic the other day. We have very considerable interests there, and they thoroughly understood the position, and I am sure it will be understood in Chili too.