§ 64. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will explain the cause of the delay in renewing the Bryce-Root Arbitration Treaty with the United States of America?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe United States Government having proposed the replacement of the Root-Bryce Treaty by a new arbitration treaty on different lines, the question of renewing the former instrument does not now arise. The terms of the new treaty require most careful consideration, not only by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain but also by the Governments of the Dominions, and the necessary consultation with the latter unavoidably causes some delay.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes that mean that there is some cause of delay in London over the new Arbitration Treaty, or is the delay solely due to having to consult the Dominions, and nothing to do with Downing Street?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe whole question is a most important question, and necessarily one has to give it much thought.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWould it be possible to give me the causes of the delay in London if I put down another question?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI do not think there are any specific causes of delay; it is a very important question which takes a long time to consider.