§ 30. Commander SOUTHBYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider the advisability of giving notice, under Article 5 of the convention between the United Kingdom and the United States of America respecting the regulation of the liquor traffic, to modify Article 2 of the convention so as to substitute a definite distance for the distance which can he traversed by a suspected vessel in one hour, in view of the doubt and uncertainty occasioned by the latter arrangement?
§ Mr. DALTONThe question of fixing a definite distance was very carefully considered at the time of the negotiation of the Convention, but this plan was found to be impracticable, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he is not, therefore, in a position to act in the sense suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Commander SOUTHBYIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that in the exercise of the privileges conferred upon the United States under this Convention, due regard is paid to the rights of British subjects under the British flag?
§ Mr. DALTONI hope that may be so. At the same time, British subjects proceeding on their legitimate errands are obviously prejudiced by the action of liquor smugglers.
§ Commander SOUTHBYCan the hon. Gentleman say whether any cases are now under consideration involving disputes on this matter?
§ Mr. DALTONYes, there is one, in regard to which I gave an answer the other day.
§ Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONIs it not a fact that the legal decisions in the United States vary very largely in regard to interpretations on this matter?