Mr. Asquith in his reply stated that, at the King's
strong desire and with his express permission, he was in a position to disclose the confidential communications with the Sovereign. He recalled his statement on April 14th, 1910, in which he announced the intention of the Government to advise the Crown, if the Lords rejected or declined to consider their policy ; the circumstances under which they would either resign or dissolve ; and his pledge not to dissolve without an understanding. He then referred to the political truce which occurred on the death of the King, to the Conference and its ultimate breakdown in November. The Cabinet then felt themselves bound to dissolve, and on November 15th informed the King that they could not undertake the responsibility of advising a dissolution unless, in the event of their policy being approved by an adequate majority in the new House, the King would be ready to create peers to carry out the decision of the country.
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