HC Deb 28 June 1916 vol 83 cc816-7
17. Mr. HEWINS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House as to the result of his conferences in Paris?

Lord R. CECIL

The chief purpose of the conferences which I attended in Paris was to consider whether it was desirable for the Allies to continue their partial adoption and enforcement of the Declaration of London.

After careful consideration, the British, and French Governments have decided in the negative, and I hope that the other Allied Governments will concur in this decision. His Majesty will be advised in due course to issue an Order in Council withdrawing the successive Orders in. Council which have been issued adopting with modifications the Declaration of London. A joint statement will also be issued explaining the reasons for this step.

The opportunity was also taken to discuss with the French Government various minor matters connected with the blockade, in order that the naval operations of the Allies should be co-ordinated to the utmost possible extent.