EARL of RONALDSHAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the question of perpetual leases would be dealt with in the new Anglo-Japanese commercial treaty, or in a separate agreement?
§ Sir E. GREYThe question of perpetual leases will be dealt with in a separate agreement.
EARL of RONALDSHAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if a new Anglo-Japanese commercial treaty has been signed by His Majesty's Government?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer is in the affirmative.
EARL of RONALDSHAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if British India and certain other Colonies and Dependencies would be excluded from the operation of the new Anglo-Japanese commercial treaty, and, if so, for what reason?
§ Sir E. GREYI would refer the hon. Member to Article 26 of the new Anglo-Japanese Treaty, which has just been issued.
EARL of RONALDSHAYIf they do not adhere to the treaty will there be a 2398 statutory tariff with Japan, or will they, under the operation of the most-favoured-nation clause, secure the same advantages, so far as the tariff is concerned, as this country does?
§ Sir E. GREYI must ask the hon. Member to give notice of that question.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTHas my right hon. Friend any reason to believe that the Colonies would submit to any commercial treaties imposed upon them by the Imperial Government, or would submit to the commercial terms which are involved in this treaty for the Home Government?
§ Sir E. GREYI think if the hon. Member will refer to Article 26 he will see that it provides ample liberty. I do not think the suggestion in the question arises now.