CO129-406 - Public Offices - 1913 — Page 158

157

considering that in a year of drove

or in the event

of a blockade of the ports of Morocco, or declaration of War against that country, the receipts on account of Light Dues might le nil, and considering that the

annual payment of the sum of 15,000 francs, or about

£200, then divided amongst several Powers would be very

small whilst shipping entering the Straits at night

would derive the greatest advantage from the Light,

Foreign Representatives decided upon recommending that

the required funds should be subscribed by their respec-

tive Governments.

the

Sir J.D. Hay trusted therefore that he would be

authorised to sign the proposed Convention with the

Moorish Minister and such of his colleagues as might

receive instructions to that effect; and that consequently

he might be authorised to draw on His Majesty'

Government for the sum that might be allotted as the

quota of Great Britain.

ន

The Foreign Representatives agreed after receiving

instructions from their respective Governsnow, so alter,

if necessary, the original articles, in order than the

latter mig moet, as far as it as in their puver vo

inske vem, the general 16:es of all.

The

The Treasury sanctioned the payment by Her

Majes's Government of a share of te expense of

maintaining the Light on Cape Spartel; and Sir J.D.Hay

was authorised to draw Bills from time to time on

the Treasury for the purpose not exceeding in the

whole £200 per annum.

Certain amendments to the Draft Convention were

proposed by the Spanis: Government to which Her Majesty's

Government assented us also the French Government.

The French. Ambassador i London submitted a

Counter Draft, which, however, did not materially

differ from the original Draft Convention as amended.

He was informed that Her Majesty's Government were

ready to adopt the Counter Draft provided the Spanish

Government also concurrea, and that the arrangement

was concluded in the form of a Ministerial Agreement,

and not in that of a formal convention between the

respective Crowns, inasmuch as any Convention involv-

ing the payment of money for the expense of the

Lighthouse would require the sanction of Parliament,

while the object in view did not seem of sufficient

importance