HC Deb 16 February 1911 vol 21 cc1207-9
Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUART

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would explain why the Dominions and Colonies were not consulted as to the Declaration of London before it was signed?

Sir E. GREY

The answer is that such a course was not practicable at the time.

Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUART

Will the right hon. Gentleman not take into consideration its enormous importance to the Port of Cardiff in connection with British trade?

Sir E. GREY

As to the question of the importance to British trade, it has, of course, been taken into consideration all through.

Mr. PIKE PEASE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention had been called to the statement made by President Taft in his message to Congress in regard to the conclusion of an arrangement between Canada and the United States whereby the freight rates between the two countries would be considerably modified; whether he will lay the particulars of this arrangement upon the Table of the House; how the new freight rates will compare with those hitherto in force; and whether his Majesty's Ambassador at Washington has made any report as to the effect of this reduction upon the competition of British and American manufacturers in the Canadian market?

Sir E. GREY

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, a report has been drawn up by the Canadian and United States Delegates appointed to discuss the question of the control of the international freight rates, but this has not yet ben considered by either of the Governments concerned. I am not aware that any definite fresh freight rates have as yet been suggested.

Mr. EYRES-MONSELL

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he had notified any of the foreign Powers who were signatory to the Declaration of London of his intention to declare the term l'ennemie in Article 34 of the Declaration to mean the Government of the enemy; and, if so, whether this interpretation of the term has been accepted by any of the Powers concerned?

Sir E. GREY

The answer is in the negative, but a notification will be made as soon as His Majesty's Government announce that they are ready to ratify.

Mr. LEE

Has the right hon. Gentleman any hope that by previous negotiations with foreign Powers an interpretation of this term satisfactory to all concerned may be arrived at?

Sir E. GREY

So far I am not aware that anyone except in this country has expressed any doubt with regard to it. We shall notify other Powers when we are in a position to announce that we are ready to ratify the Declaration, but until then we cannot say what steps will be taken.

Mr. EYRES-MONSELL

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to show that the Government of the United States of America have declined to accept as authoritative the Foreign Office official translation of the Declaration of London, as published in Blue Book 4554, and have had a fresh translation made; and, if so, can he state what is the translation of the word commercant, which appears in Article 34?

Sir E. GREY

Correspondence on the subject of the translation is still going on with the United States Government, and pending its conclusion no statement can be made.