§ 3. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government is still allowing cotton to go into Germany in certain cases or in certain circumstances; and, if so, will he state what the cases, circumstances, and conditions are?
§ Sir E. GREYRaw cotton, linters, cotton waste and cotton yarn are ail contraband of war, and every possible step is taken to prevent any supplies of these commodities from reaching Germany. It is the intention of His Majesty's Government to declare cotton piece-goods and other 1167 cotton products capable of being used in the manufacture of explosives contraband forthwith, and to prohibit the export of such goods and products from here to neutral countries contiguous to Germany and Austria-Hungary.
In connection, however, with the negotiations recently concluded for the establishment of a National Trust in Switzerland, the Allied Governments have had to consider the special economic conditions of that country, and have felt it impossible to object to Swiss exporters sending certain descriptions of cotton yarn and piece-goods to Germany provided they do not now possess, and do not in future acquire, any potential military value. It is anticipated that in practice these exports will only consist of embroidered cotton piece-goods of an expensive character and possibly cotton lace.
§ Mr. PENNEFATHERDoes the right hon. Gentleman's reply cover not only Germany, but also Austria and Turkey?
§ Sir E. GREYYes, Sir, certainly; I imagine if it is contraband for one it is contraband for all.
§ Sir E. GREYYes; it is stated so in the answer I have given: "Raw cotton, linters, cotton waste, and cotton yarn are all contraband of war."