HC Deb 14 December 1911 vol 32 cc2499-500
Mr. WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether every agreement, treaty, and undertaking between this country and any other country is now public property; and, if so, whether the Sheikhs of Koweit and Mohammerah are included in the term other country, or not?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)

The answer to the first question is in the negative. The answer to the second is that the status of Koweit and Mohammerah is exceptional. Agreements made with them were not contemplated as coming under the head of treaties made between His Majesty's Government and other Foreign Governments to which the previous statements made in the House applied.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that there are other secret treaties besides the secret treaty recently disclosed between this country and France?

Sir E. GREY

Does the hon. Gentleman mean between this country and France?

Mr. MacNEILL

Between this country and any other country. We know about France.

Sir E. GREY

Yes, Sir; there are other engagements that have not been published.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether any steps are being taken to communicate our engagements with the Sheikhs of Koweit and Mohammerah to other Powers?

Sir E. GREY

We have been in communication with regard to one of the subjects with the Turkish Government in order that we may, if possible, come to an understanding in connection with the Baghdad Railway.