2110-2-1-9

3, Temple Gardens, Temple.

Feb: 26: 06

Dear Miss Markham

Asquith's speech sounded pretty bad, but I do not take a very gloomy view. In the first place he was driven to it largely by the insane tactics of our own side, who instead of preparing a bridge for the Government to

withdraw, endeavoured to corner them, with the natural result that they stood at bay. In the second place Asquith's statement about the reservation of the labour question is capable of indefinite whittling down in practice. The right of veto on all colonial legislation is inherent in the Crown,

and when it comes to the rub I expect the Govt. will prefer to rely on the general right (which in practice is never exercised) rather than on a specific reservation which would be a breach of all our tradition.

I wholly agree with you that the grant should be by Act of Parliament, & I don't see how the Govt. can refuse this.

I want to hear Milner today, but I fear I shall

not be able to get away. I should be delighted to meet your brother any time you could arrange it.

I am sorry to hear of your mother's ill-health. I hope she may soon recover

Yours ever

J.B