§ 5. Mr. FELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if it is proposed to make any representations to neutral countries with reference to the laying of mines in seas removed far from the scene of the War, and which it is alleged have been laid by vessels bearing neutral flags, and that damages to the value of any ship and cargo sunk by such mines will be claimed from any country which can be proved to have knowingly allowed such a mine-laying ship to have left its ports?
§ Lord R. CECILHis Majesty's Government have every intention of claiming adequate reparation from any neutral country which can be proved to have permitted a vessel to leave its ports in the circumstances mentioned in the question, and I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for giving me this opportunity of making that intention publicly known to those whom it may concern.