HC Deb 08 August 1911 vol 29 cc943-4
Sir WILLIAM BYLES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he could officially inform the House that a treaty of arbitration between Great Britain and the United States had been actually signed at Washington; whether he was able to say that a similar treaty between the United States and France had also been signed in Paris; and whether lie could encourage the hope that by further international agreements of a like nature the burden now imposed on the people for national defence would be greatly lightened?

Sir E. GREY

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no official information about the second part, but the hon. Member has no doubt seen that a treaty has been signed. The answer to the third part must depend upon public opinion not in this country alone. If in other countries there are found, as I trust may be the case, many persons of the disposition of the hon. Member himself, the hope that he entertains will be greatly encouraged.

Sir W. BYLES

With regard to the first part of the question, have not the House of Commons some right to expect that a momentous matter of this kind should be communicated directly to them, and that they should not be dependent on the Press for their information?

Sir E. GREY

With regard to the Treaty with the United States, I have telegraphed to Washington to know how soon the Treaty may be published, and directly on agreement between the two Governments as to date of publication I will lay the Treaty before the House.

Mr. DILLON

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to the date when the Debate will take place?

Sir E. GREY

No, I cannot say when the Debate will take place, but the promise which has been made with regard to that will be kept. All I can undertake is that as soon as possible the Treaty shall be laid before Parliament. The time at which it should be debated is a matter for the Prime Minister to decide.

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

Is it not the case that the Treaty has already been published in the Press?

Sir E. GREY

I believe it has been published in the Press, but, of course, in regard to a treaty with another Government, one is obliged, as a matter of form, to get the consent of the other Government. I should certainly use the fact that it has already appeared in the Press as a reason for not evading publication.