§ 2. Mr. LYNCHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it has been represented to him that in many particulars the policy of the Government in regard to the United States has been of an irritating kind, without any compensation corresponding to the danger of producing misunderstandings; whether in future he will keep in view the importance of maintaining the best possible relations with the United States; and whether he will take steps accordingly?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord Robert Cecil)It is unfortunately inevitable that our blockade measures should cause inconvenience and consequently irritation to citizens of neutral countries, much as we regret it. I can only say that, consistently with the paramount duty of using to the utmost our legitimate belligerent rights, we have done, and shall do, all we can to make their exercise as little burdensome to neutrals as we can. I trust that I may appeal to all patriotic persons not to increase our difficulties on this subject by the use of reckless or intemperate language.
§ Mr. LYNCHWill the right hon. Gentleman cultivate, not in a formal but m a most assiduous way, good relations with the United States?
§ Lord R. CECILWe always have done so.