HC Deb 25 May 1911 vol 26 c420
Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the draft of the Arbitration Treaty with America has been published, he can now say whether some questions between the United States and the United Kingdom will not be submitted to unrestricted arbitration?

Sir E. GREY

If it is the case, as stated by the hon. Member, that the whole text of the draft of an Arbitration Treaty drawn up by the United States Government has been published, he can form his own opinion upon the scope of it. Personally, I have not yet seen the full text of the draft, and I cannot say more about it than I said on Tuesday.

Mr. HUNT

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman does not know whether President Taft has withdrawn his offer of unrestricted arbitration or not?

Sir E. GREY

I certainly do not understand that he has withdrawn any offer.

Mr. HUNT

Did he not make an offer of unrestricted arbitration on all matters, including honour, territory, and everything else?

Sir E. GREY

The speeches of President Taft are on record publicly, and the hon. Gentleman can form his own opinion as to the scope of them. I am not aware that he has qualified them in any way.