ow as the record that, whatever took place between military and naval
experts, they were not binding engagements upon the Government:

My dear Ambassador:

From time to time in recent years the French and British naval and
military experts have consulted together. It has always been
understood that such consultation does not restrict the freedom of
either Government to decide at any future time whether or not to
assist the other by armed force. We have agreed that consultation
between experts is not, and ought not, to be regarded as an
engagement that commits either Government to action in a
contingency that has not yet arisen and may never arise. The
disposition, for instance, of the French and British fleets
respectively at the present moment is not based upon an engagement
to co-operate in war.

You have, however, pointed out that, if either Government had grave
reason to expect an unprovoked attack by a third power, it might
become essential to know whether it could in that event depend upon
the armed assistance of the other.

I agree that, if either Government had grave reason to expect an
unprovoked attack by a third power, or something that threatened
the general peace, it should immediately discuss with the other
whether both Governments should act together to prevent aggression
and to preserve peace, and, if so, what measures they would be
prepared to take in common.

_Lord Charles Beresford_--What is the date of that?

_Sir E. Grey_--The 22nd November, 1912. That is the starting point for
the Government with regard to the present crisis. I think it makes it
clear that what the Prime Minister and I said to the House of Commons
was perfectly justified, and that, as regards our freedom to decide in a
crisis what our line should be, whether we should intervene or whether
we should abstain, the Government remained perfectly free, and, a
fortiori, the House of Commons remains perfectly free. That I say to
clear the ground from the point of view of obligation. I think it was
due to prove our good faith to the House of Commons that I should give
that full information to the House now, and say what I think is obvious
from the letter I have just read, that we do not construe anything which
has previously taken place in our diplomatic relations with other powers
in this matter as restricting the freedom of