HL Deb 11 July 1905 vol 149 cc240-1
EARL SPENCER

My Lords, on the Motion for the adjournment of the House, I beg to ask the noble Marquess the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a Question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether it is true that the French and German Governments have come to an agreement with regard to a conference on the affairs of Morocco; and, if so, what is the position of His Majesty's Government with regard to it and whether they will enter into a conference as the French Government appear to have agreed to do.

*THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

My Lords, we have been officially informed, bat only within the last few hours, that the French and German Governments have come to an agreement as to the basis on which a conference with regard to the affairs of Morocco might be held in compliance with the invitation issued some time ago to that effect by the Sultan of that country. The conference will therefore, no doubt, take place; and if it does take place the interests of this country in Morocco are of such a character that we should certainly think it right to participate in the proceedings of that conference. We shall, therefore, accept the proposal, which will, no doubt, be made to us to join upon suitable conditions with the other Powers in the discussions which will arise.