April 4, 1902 (9th Parliament, 2nd Session)

The government has uo information whatever upon the subject, but of course its attention has been called to the despatch quoted by my hon. friend, and we have asked, and at this moment are expecting information with regard to it. Without having received any such information, I am quite sure of one thing; That whatever treaty has been concluded by Great Britain with the United States, would not

ipso facto apply to the colonies, but that the colonies will be left to decide for themselves whether or not they shall be parties to that agreement whatever it may be.