HC Deb 10 April 1911 vol 24 cc8-10
Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUART

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether Article 34 of the Declaration of London was based on the second and ninth paragraphs of Article 18 of the German Admiralty Draft, as on page 5 of Bluebook Cd. 4555, 1909?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

The text of the Declaration and the draft proposals of the German Government are set out in full in the Blue-book to which the Noble Lord refers. He is able to compare them for himself.

Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUART

asked whether the translation, in French, of Article 18 of the German Draft of the Declaration of London, as published in Blue Book, Cd. 4555, 1909, page 5, is a literal translation of the German; and whether the German Draft was submitted by the German Admiralty to the British Foreign Office prior to the Conference of London, 1908.

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

If the Noble Lord will consult the Blue Book (Command No. 4554), he will find, on reference to page 13, that the Draft was communicated to the Foreign Office by the German Chargé d'Affaires on 21st August, 1908. The German text was accompanied by a French translation prepared by the German Government themselves, and it is this translation which was laid before the Conference.

Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUART

asked whether Article 33 of the Declaration of London was based upon the first paragraph of Article 18 of the German Draft of the Declaration of London.

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I do not know what the Noble Lord means by the German Draft of the Declaration of London. I have never heard of the existence of such a document.

Mr. GEORGE TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the differences of opinion which have been expressed on both sides of the House in regard to the Declaration of London he will arrange that the division as to its ratification will be conducted on nonparty lines?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I cannot give any pledge in regard to this at present.

Mr. BUTCHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that the party whips shall not be put on for this Division?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have nothing to add to the answer to the question.