§ Mr. HUNTasked whether, in view of the fact that the Dominion Premiers were urged not to oppose the Declaration of London in order to help to bring about the arbitration treaty with the United States, the right hon. Gentleman can now say whether the American Senate has refused to agree to allow all disputes, whether of honour or territory, to be settled by arbitration; and, if so, in view of the fact that 1792 nearly all our naval, military, shipping, and commercial authorities are strongly opposed to the Declaration, the Government will reconsider their decision to ratify it?
§ Sir E. GREYNone of the several statements put forward by the hon. Member are facts. The answer to his inquiry is in the negative.
§ Mr. HUNTasked whether, if the Declaration of London is ratified, there is any port in Great Britain when we are at war to which any foodstuffs except nuts could be sent in neutral ships without any risk of these ships being captured or sunk by an enemy's warship or by their merchant ships which had been converted into commerce destroyers?
§ Sir E. GREYThere will be such ports if the Declaration of London is ratified and its rules observed by belligerents and neutrals; it is impossible to say what the state of things may be without the Declaration of London.
§ Mr. HUNTCan the right hon. Gentleman say for certain that there will be any single port in this country that will not be considered as being in connection with the military and naval forces, and that, therefore, vessels conveying foodstuffs intended to go to the Army and Navy would be liable to capture?
§ Sir E. GREYI gave an instance before of what it would not be in accordance with the Declaration of London to declare a fortified base. At the present moment everything is uncertain, so far as treaties can do it; but, under the Declaration of London, there will be a certain amount of certitude introduced.
§ Mr. HUNTDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that the German authorities have laid down that every port in Great Britain is in connection with the military and naval forces, and that, therefore, all ships coming to British ports will be liable to capture?
§ Sir E. GREYI shall be very much obliged if the hon. Gentleman will give me the information on which that statement is founded. It is quite new to me.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDIs it clearly specified that the ports are to be fortified places? I am under the impression it is not?
§ Sir E. GREYThe whole question was fully gone into in the Debate on the Declaration of London, and if the Noble Lord refers to the speeches made on behalf of the Government he will see what is their view as regards its interpretation.