§ 12. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked if any undertaking has been given to the American Government that cotton will not be placed upon the list of absolute contraband; and if, having regard to the altered conditions brought about by the German submarine blockade, and the fact that the Order in Council of 11th March will be insufficient to prevent the importation of raw cotton, cotton yarn, and cotton cloth into Germany, the Government will now declare these products absolute contraband?
Mr. PRIMROSEThe intention of not making cotton contraband was expressed in the early days of the War. The view taken by the hon. Member in the latter part of the question is not correct. What is in effect being applied now in consequence of the action of German submarines is a blockade of all German exports and imports. The power to stop these will not be increased by declaring cotton contraband.