428
(1700/12).
and ratification to be for Colonies and outside possessions
also" that the intention is that in the interval between
signature and ratification, the British Self-Governing
Dominions should be invited to accede to the Convention, and
that the King's Katification, if and when deposited, should
cover only those Self-Governing Dominions who have acceded.
It is true that the German proposal is a new departure,
as the usual practice is for the accession of Self-Governing
Colonies to take place after ratification, and to be regarded
as a separate procedure. But it appears to Sir E. Grey
that, so long as it is made quite clear that the Self-Covern-
ing Colonies cannot be bound in any way until they have ac-
ceded the proposal is not unacceptable.
It is accordingly requested that Mr. Harcourt will take
the matter into consideration at his early convenience, and
will state whether he concurs in the opinion that the line
of action suggested by the British Delegates may be sanctioned
on the condition outlined in the preceding paragraph.
A similar enquiry has been addressed to the Secretary
of
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