§ 72. Colonel GRETTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position with regard to the commercial treaties with our Allies which were in operation before the War; whether any of those treaties have been denounced by any of the countries concerned; and what steps are being taken to introduce order and regularity into our international relations in this respect?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe Anglo-French Convention of Commerce has been denounced by the French Government, but is being continued in force subject to three months' final notice of termination. This convention does not apply to Customs tariffs, and goods of United Kingdom origin or manufacture are granted most-favoured-nation treatment in France.
The Anglo-Greek Treaty of Commerce has been denounced by the Greek Government and will expire at the end of this year. Negotiations for a new treaty are taking place and the British proposals are now before the Greek Government.
The Anglo-Roumanian Treaty of Commerce has been denounced by the Roumanian Government, and commercial relations between the United Kingdom and Roumania are now regulated by a provisional arrangement based on the most-favoured-nation clause.
The Jugo-Slavian Government have denounced the Anglo-Serbian Treaty of Commerce, which will expire in June, 1926. The question of concluding a new treaty is under consideration.
Article 8 of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Commerce and the schedule to that 639 treaty have been denounced by the Japanese Government. The rest of the treaty, including the provisions as to reciprocal most-favoured-nation treatment of goods, remains in force and negotiations have been taking place for a supplementary convention between Great-Britain and Japan.
§ Colonel GRETTONHas notice to terminate any commercial treaties been given by the British Government, and does such notice still stand?
§ Mr. McNEILLSo far as my recollection serves, none.