§ LORD BATEMANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the 3 statement which was published in the "Morning Post" of Saturday last referring to the official publication of the Treaty of Commerce between England and Servia is correct; and, if so, whether the noble Marquess will define what was meant by the term "reciprocity?" He wished also to know, Whether there was any objection to lay the terms of such Treaty, or the Treaty itself, upon the Table of the House? The statement to which he had referred was in these terms—
England and Servia.—Belgrade, March 28.—The provisions of the Treaty of Commerce recently concluded with England are officially published to-day. The Treaty is based upon reciprocity with regard to exports, imports, and transit, in accordance with the most favoured nation clause.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, it would be a cruel addition to the duties of the Foreign Office if it were called upon to interpret the telegrams that appear in the newspapers. With respect to the word "reciprocity," which seems to stick in the throat of my noble Friend, I shall not attempt the interpretation of the word. It lies entirely in the depths of the consciousness of the person who composed the telegram. I cannot find anything about it in the Treaty in question. The Treaty is a simple matter containing a clause called "the most favoured nation clause." I have this moment laid it on the Table of the House.