Lord Lansdowne has signed an agreement with the French Government
under which for the next five years "differences of a juridical order, or such as relate to the interpretation of treaties," and cannot be settled by diplomacy, may be referred to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague. Such differences, however, must not involve the " vital interests or independence or honour" of either of the two countries.. The arrangement, though it appears to be a restricted one, is a distinct mark of friendliness, and probably covers a wider area of subjects than at first appears. Most of the subjects of difference now existing could under it be referred to the Hague, and be swept out of the way of future negotiations and arrangements. There are, for instance, half-a-dozen questions of " rights " in Newfoundland and in West Africa which would fall within its purview. The limitation of time is a wise one, for we none of us know yet how arbitration by a permanent Tribunal will work ; and altogether we congratu- late Lord Lansdowne on an agreement which is entirely in accord with public opinion, though five years ago it would have been pronounced by diplomatists "impossible." That which remains behind, but which is not for the present dis- closed, is far more important than the treaty. , Harm, not good, however, might come from any attempt to discuss such matters; and we shall, therefore, make no attempt to raise the veil.
