Lord Percy moved the second reading of the Anglo-French Convention
Bill in the Commons on Wednesday in .a king and able speech. He contended that though certain con- troversial points. still stood over, the agreement would greatly aid diplomacy in disposing of outstanding difficulties. Wegave up nothing as far as the Convention concerned Egypt and Morocco, while France ,gave up a. great deal in Egypt, who would greatly profit by gaining control of most of her taxes and of money at present locked up. There was no reason to anticipate that objections would be raised to this part of the Convention by other Powers. As regards Siam, both con- tracting parties disclaimed any intention to annex, ancl. pledged themselves. to exert their influence in strict con- formity with existing treaties. In conclusion, he regarded the agreement as a great step forward in the direction the Government wished to go,—viz., that of administrative con- centration and consolidation after a long period of territorial aggrandisement and accumulating responsibilities.
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