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hon. Gentleman does not agree with that policy I know, but I
do not think the House in general will feel that this is not a
policy or that I am being unduly obscure at the moment in
declining to say what is to be the final definition of the words
' settlement of the Spanish situation/
" I think that is all I need say on the question of recognition,
but I would like to tell the House that all through these
negotiations we have been in the closest touch with the
Dominions, who have been advised of the progress of them
from the very beginning. Egypt, of course, in virtue of her
special relations, has also been kept closely informed, and not
only that, but on all questions which actually affect Egyptian
interests there has been collaboration with them, and no
decisions affecting those interests have been taken without
prior consultation and full concurrence on her part. Then, of
course, our special relations with France have naturally led us
to keep her informed of our general intentions, and I think the
House knows that the French Government have expressed
their warm approval of our action. Not only do they approve
what we have done, but they have paid us the sincerest flattery
by deciding themselves to enter into conversations with
the Italian Government, in the hope of concluding an agree-
ment which, I understand, they expect to be of a similar
character, and if they can be successful in that end, one may
say that a further step will have been taken towards the clearing
of the European horizon.
" France is not alone in approving of this Agreement, for
we have had from the Balkan Entente, through their chairman,
a message of warm congratulation upon the result. I think I
may say that the Press of Europe, with hardly an exception,
has given a sincere welcome to this Agreement; and it will
not have escaped the attention of hon. Members that the
President of the United States has signified his sympathetic
interest and considers that this affords proof of the value of
peaceful negotiations. In this almost universal chorus of
praise, is it not strange to find only those two parties opposite
regretting and opposing an agreement which has done so
much to lighten the tension in Europe and to avert the danger
of war ? For my part, I repudiate the idea that it is impossible
for democracies to come to terms and to understandings with