51. Mr. SHAWasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the loss of business by firms in this country owing to the congestion of the cables; and whether, with a view to relieving the congestion and expediting the sending and receipt of messages, the present embargo against business telegrams in code will now be removed?
§ Mr. FORSTERHis Majesty's Government is most desirous of abolishing all restrictions at the earliest possible moment, but it is at present impossible to fix the date, which must depend on the peace negotiations.
§ Mr. FRANCEIs there any military reason why business telegrams should not now be sent in code, and would not facilitating certain of these messages prevent congestion?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes, Sir; all that is being considered, not only by the Government of this country, but by the Allied Governments. In their opinion the restriction is necessary.
§ Mr. FORSTERYes, that is so.