§ Earl WINTERTONasked whether any communication had passed between His Majesty's Government and the Government of any European Power on the subject of the arbitration proposals suggested by President Taft?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI am not aware that anything has been said by President Taft that need be made the subject of special communication on our part with any European Power, and if it were otherwise it would be premature to make any statement about it.
§ Earl WINTERTONasked if an opportunity will be afforded the House before the adjournment for the Easter Recess of learning the progress of the international arbitration proposals between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States, either by way of debate or in the form of Papers laid upon the Table of the House?
§ Earl WINTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether this matter has been under consideration, or whether a day will be granted?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI am not in a position to say when the matter will be a fit subject for further discussion.
§ Earl WINTERTONasked whether, before any decision binding on this country 872 is arrived at with regard to President Taft's proposals, the consent of those Governments of first-class Powers with whom His Majesty's Government is in alliance or has an entente will be obtained?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI think the Noble Lord must be under a misapprehension as to the nature of President Taft's suggestion; and in any case, it must be left to His Majesty's Government, so long as they retain the confidence of the House, to see that negotiations with one Power do not conflict with their obligations to any other.