§ 51. Lord C. BERESFORDasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have made any modification or changes in the Declaration of London from its original form; if so, will he state what these changes are; whether the Declaration of London, with or without its modifications, has the authority of international law; whether any nations have accepted its terms as a new code of naval warfare; if so, will he state the names of these nations; and whether the British are using the Declaration of London or certain clauses of it as a temporary code during the present war?
Mr. PRIMROSEBy Orders in Council of 20th August and 29th October, 1914, which have been published, certain modifications were announced subject to which His Majesty's Government were prepared to adopt the Declaration of London during the present hostilities. The Declaration has not been ratified, and has therefore not the same authority as a universally ratified code of law. In vew of recent German announcements of an intention to disregard the laws and customs of the sea further modifications in British practice may be necessitated.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDWill the hon. Member lay these modifications on the Table of the House and let us know what they are?