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 September, 1914.

E. GREY, his Britannic Majesty’s
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

PAUL CAMBON, Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic.

BENCKENDORFF, Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of his
Majesty the Emperor of Russia.

* * * * *

A COUNTERSTROKE.

Semi-Official Statement in The London Times, Sept. 6.

The declaration of the Allied Governments that they will not conclude peace separately during the war or demand terms of peace without previous agreement with each other is an opportune counterstroke to the campaign initiated by Germany for the purpose of detaching France from Russia and especially from Britain.  Overtures in this sense have doubtless been made to France.