A further and very important though short discussion arose in
the House' of Commons on Wednesday about Venezuela: Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman had asked for more information, and in reply to him and other questioners Mr. Balfour virtually stated that Great Britain and Germany were at war with Venezuela, as he agreed with the United States that there could be no such thing as a pacific blockade. This country, however, " had no intention, and never had had any intention, of landing troops or occupying territory, even though such occupation might be of a temporary character." He declined to state anything with reference to the proposal of arbitration made by Venezuela and supported by the United States. His reason for this refusal was obviously that negotiations with Germany on that point had not ended, Germany not wishing for an arbitration, but rather for a continuance of joint opera- tions, in the course of which complications may arise. The feeling in the House, it is said, is entirely in favour of arbitra- tion; and certainly that is the feeling in the country.
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