HC Deb 19 June 1912 vol 39 cc1646-7
12. Mr. HEWINS

asked what is the revised form of the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause in the commercial treaty between the United Kingdom and Morocco?

Mr. ACLAND

The commercial treaty between the United Kingdom and Morocco of 1856 has not been revised. The Moroccan Government have been approached, however, with a view to enabling His Majesty's Government to terminate this treaty and also the general treaty of the same year in respect of any of the self-governing Dominions if they so desire.

Mr. HEWINS

Has Morocco consented?

Mr. ACLAND

I will inquire.

13. Mr. HEWINS

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he will state what is now the position of the negotiations which he has been conducting with countries with which the United Kingdom has Most-Favoured-Nation Treaties for the exemption of the self-governing Dominions from the operation of those treaties, in conformity with the resolution adopted unanimously by the Imperial Conference of 1911?

Mr. ACLAND

Agreements have been concluded with Sweden and Denmark, and in both cases the text of the agreements have been laid before the House in the Treaty Series (No. 26 of 1911 and No. 13 of 1912). It is hoped to conclude similar agreements shortly with France and Switzerland. Negotiations are also proceeding with Italy, Argentina, Morocco, Russia, Venezuela, Colombia, Austria, and Norway. The Mexican Government have agreed to allow His Majesty's Govern- ment to terminate the Anglo-Mexican Treaty of 1888 in respect of those self-governing Dominions which are bound by it, without the necessity of concluding a formal agreement to that effect.

Mr. HEWINS

Has Italy changed her attitude as described by the Foreign Secretary at the Colonial Conference?

Mr. ACLAND

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down notice of the question. I do not carry the point in my memory.