§ 31. Mr. HIGHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the Order issued by President Wilson last month prohibiting any American citizen from sending any money for the maintenance of their patents in enemy countries or for making new application for patents or trademarks', or from sending any communication of any kind respecting patents or trade-marks to enemy countries, also prohibiting any American citizen from receiving any moneys or documents from enemy countries in respect to American patents or trade-marks owned by the subjects of enemy countries; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to similarly prohibit such communications or payments by or to British subjects, by cancelling the proclamation allowing such payments and communications to be made that was issued in September, 1914?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Albert Stanley)I have seen the Order referred to. The question of issuing the existing licences in connection with this matter was carefully considered by the Board of Trade at the beginning of the War. I will, however, consider whether the action of the U.S.A. Government makes any modification in the policy pursued by His Majesty's Government in this matter necessary or expedient.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the strong action 1570 taken by President Wilson in his decree does not show that he thought it might be possible to use these communications to convey information, and would the right hon. Gentleman consider this point?
§ Sir A. STANLEYI am not aware of that. I have read the Order very carefully.
§ Mr. BILLINGCan the right hon. Gentleman state how long it will be before he will be able to make a statement as to the decision of the Government?
§ Sir A. STANLEYI cannot answer that.