§ Mr. JAMES HOPEasked the Prime Minister whether any instructions were given by the Government to His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington with regard to the reciprocity negotiations between Canada and the United States; if so, what was the tenour and effect of such instructions; and whether the Ambassador has sent in any report as to the result of his action in compliance therewith?
§ Sir E. GREYAs I informed the hon. Member for Hammersmith on the 16th instant, the answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEDo we understand that no instructions at all were given to our Ambassador at Washington?
§ Sir E. GREYNo instructions were sent.
§ Mr. HUNTasked the Prime Minister whether he has any official information showing that the South African preference now given to Great Britain will not be continued unless Great Britain gives in return a preference to goods coming from South Africa; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. HUNTalso asked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been called to the Resolution introduced into the American House of Representatives, directing the President to open negotiations 2072 with Great Britain for the annexation of the Dominion of Canada to the United States of America; and wheher he intends to send any communication to the Government of the United States on the subject?
§ Mr. HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a prominent American politician has let the annexation cat out of the bag, and that President Taft is trying to get it back again?
§ Mr. REMNANTasked the Prime Minister whether he has received from His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington any despatch as to the effect of the proposed reciprocity agreement between the United States and Canada in leading to full commercial union between the two-countries and its bearing upon the political relations between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada; and, if so, whether he will lay that despatch upon the Table of the House?
§ Sir E. GREYDespatches have been received and we are considering what papers could be laid.
§ Mr. REMNANTHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement made by the Canadian Postmaster-General that Mr. Bryce has helped all through these negotiations between Canada and the United States?
§ Sir E. GREYOur attention has been called to a short report, but we are not yet in the possession of full information of what was said.
§ Mr. REMNANTWill the right hon. Gentleman make definite inquires on this point, and lay papers on the Table?
§ Sir E. GREYPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will give notice of that question.