§ 34. Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the negotiations in connection with the Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty which expires on 4th June next?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe draft arbitration treaty to replace the Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty of 1908 communicated by the United States Government does not in all respects meet the particular requirements of His Majesty's Government in Great Britain. In view of the complexity of the questions involved and of the necessity of fully consulting His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions, further time will be required before a decision can be reached on the reply to be returned to the United States proposals. In the circumstances, it has been suggested to His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions, with the cognisance of the United States Government, that the present Root-Bryce treaty should be temporarily extended, although there is now some doubt whether the United States Senate will be able to consider this question before their forthcoming recess.