58. Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to announce the appointment of a successor to the Earl of Reading as British Ambassador to the United States of America?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWPending the appointment of a permanent Ambassador, which will be made in the early part of next year, Lord Grey of Falloden has consented to go on a mission to Washington to deal especially with questions arising out of the Peace. The House of Commons will, I am sure, share in the warm appreciation which is felt by His Majesty's Government of this patriotic action on the part of Lord Grey, which will, in their opinion, be of the highest value in its influence on the relations between the two Governments and peoples.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCannot this distinguished statesman be appointed permanently?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think an answer is necessary to that. I need not say the Government would have been only too glad if he could have accepted a permanent post, but everyone who knows 1289 what the disabilities of Lord Grey are will share in the gratitude that the Government feel towards him.
§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNORWhile heartily joining in the congratulations to the Government on obtaining the services of this distinguished ex-Foreign Minister, may I ask what the instructions of Lord Grey will be to ease the relations between England and the United States in regard to a settlement of the Irish question?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am quite certain Lord Grey will do all in his power to improve in every respect, where improvement is necessary, the relations between America and the United Kingdom.