§ 50. Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the Prime Minister whether he can now make an announcement as to whether the British Government will immediately place all food and raw material used to foster German industries on the list of absolute contraband of war; and whether he will consider the possibility, in order to make this declaration more powerful, of sending a joint Note from the Allies, France, Russia, Japan, and Great Britain, all equally concerned in ending the War, stating their determination to enforce these stringent measures with a view of hastening the end of the War?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe allied Governments are considering what action it would be proper for them to take by way of reprisals against the German policy of attacking and destroying British, allied, and neutral merchant vessels without warning, and without any attempt to save the lives of the civilian and innocent crews. Pending such decision, which I 22 hope will soon be announced, I can make no statement as to the nature and scope of the measures to be taken or the form in which they will be made public.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDMight I ask the Prime Minister, with regard to his reply, whether it will be a joint Note, and not a Note specially from Great Britain?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot yet say that. There certainly will be a Note from Great Britain, and I hope a joint Note.