happen? Five-sixths of our production is employed in the home trade.
What goes abroad is very important, and, of course, if the population
which supplies this one-sixth were thrown out of work that would react
on the whole. But, after all, the total amount of our exports to all the
European countries which are now at war is only a small part of our
total exports. There is here no question of fiscal policy. We are far
beyond that. It is a question of fact. Our total exports to all the
countries which are now at war do not, in my belief--I have not looked
into the figures--exceed our exports to India and Australia taken alone.
Now, consider this, we shall have freedom of trade, if the command of
the sea is maintained, with the colonies and with the whole of the
American Continent, while, unfortunately for them, both our allies and
our enemies will not be competing with us in these markets. Look at it
as a problem. I think we have a right to believe, not that trade will be
good, but that it will be much more nearly normal than is generally
supposed. [Cheers.] I hope the House will not think that that is a
useless thing to say at such a time. [Cheers.]

There is one thing more only I wish to say. This is the affair of the
nation. Every one would desire to help. There will be a great deal of
work to be done which cannot be done by the Government. I was glad the
Prime Minister has already asked the co-operation of my right honorable
friends the members for West Birmingham and the Strand. They gladly
came. But I am sure I speak not for this bench but for the whole of our
party when I say that the Government has only got to requisition any one
of us and we will serve them and our country to the best of our ability.
[Loud cheers.]

* * * * *

PACT OF TRIPLE ENTENTE.

Statement Issued by British Foreign Office, Sept. 5.

DECLARATION.

The undersigned duly authorized thereto by the respective Governments
hereby declare as follows:

The British, French, and Russian Governments mutually engage not to
conclude peace separately during the present war. The three Governments
agree that when terms of peace come to be discussed no one of the Allies
will demand terms of peace without the previous agreement of each of
the other Allies. In faith whereof the undersigned have signed this
declaration and have affixed thereto their seals.

Done at London in triplicate the 5th day of Septem