HC Deb 23 May 1911 vol 26 cc126-7
Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the treaty of arbitration between the United States and this Country would be so drafted as to admit the adhesion of other Powers; whether negotiations are now proceeding with France or any other Power for inclusion as a party to the treaty; and whether he could make any statement as to the progress or probable conclusion of the negotiations?

Sir E. GREY

The full text of a draft Treaty is still on its way to me, and I have not yet seen it; but I do not gather that a tri-partite Treaty is contemplated.

Mr. KING

Has the draft treaty been communicated to the Powers as is stated by "The Times" in very categorical fashion this morning?

Sir E. GREY

The hon. Member must really wait till the full text of the draft treaty, with any communications from the United States Government accompanying it, has reached me. I cannot answer questions as to what they may have done with other Powers.

Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has received the draft of the arbitration treaty with America; and whether this contains proposals for unrestricted arbitration on all questions, including matters of honour or territory?

Sir E. GREY

I have not yet received the full text of the draft Treaty. When it arrives, it will receive full consideration before any statements are made about it, and it is then usual in ordinary courtesy to make them to the authors of the proposals before making them public. I may add, however, that from what I gather of the nature of the proposals, there is every prospect of a very considerable advance in securing the practical settlement of disputes without resort to war.

Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the signed statement by Mr. Roosevelt that the American people would never consent to arbitration on all questions; and whether, therefore, he can now tell the House that the Government has found that the proposed agreement with the United States to arbitrate on all questions, including matters of honour or territory, is impossible?

Sir E. GREY

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the latter part in the negative.