§ 20. Mr. LYNCHasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention has been called to the serious detriment caused to Portugal by reason of the restrictions imposed upon her exports by the action of the Government; whether this action is necessitated by the shortage of shipping or is simply a trade defensive manœuvre; and, if this supposition be well grounded, whether, in view of the larger interests of the Allies and the importance of pre serving mutual confidence, he will advise a relaxation of the policy in favour of Portugal?
Mr. BALFOURThe policy of the Government is necessitated by the common interest of the allied cause. We are, of course, anxious to make it as little onerous to our Allies and neutrals as we possibly can.