§ 54. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Prime Minister whether the defeat of Von Hindenburg by the British and French on the Western Front in Easter week, with the huge capture of prisoners and guns, is regarded by the Government as a decisive military victory for which they have been waiting to propose negotiations for peace; whether the recent domestic revolution in Russia has converted the whole population of that vast empire into a stern, unbending, and loyal Ally; whether the partnership of the great Republic of the West in the European struggle; for democracy against autocracy completes a series of changes in the position of the War and its respective combatant nations; whether His Majesty's Ministers will reconsider their decision not to approach peace by way of negotiation; and whether he will now advise His Majesty to enter a confer ence of belligerents and seek a settlement, as we have been twice invited to do by the Central Powers?
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that ques- 1825 tion, may I ask him whether it is not time enough to consider proposals for peace when the Germans have ceased to blow up hospital ships?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe supplementary question is a better answer than my own. The answer to the first, fourth, and fifth parts of the question is in the negative. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative, and the third part I do not understand.