On Tuesday • in the Commons Mr. O'Grady, the Labour
Member for East Leeds, asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the present relations between the Government of Russia and the Members of the first Duma, his Majesty's Government would take steps for the suspension of State visits between the Sovereigns of- the two countries. Mr. Asquith in reply pointed out that the Czar's official visit to this country after his accession had never been returned, nor had King Edward paid the official visit customary for Sovereigns after their accession to the throne, though he had already visited the Sovereigns and beads of other European States. He noted that the King and Queen had not had an opportunity of meeting their nephew and niece, the Emperor and Empress of Russia, during the past seven years, and that there was nothing in the present relations between the two countries to render such a visit inopportune. It could have nothing but a good effect on the dealings of each country with external affairs, and could have no relation at all to internal affairs in either country, nor any effect on them, and it would be undesirable to make it dependent upon such considerations.
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