SIR EDWARD GREY TO M. CAMBON

Foreign Office, November 22, 1912.

My dear Ambassador,

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

You hâve, 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 dépend upon the armed assistance of the other.

I agrée that, if either Governement had grave reason to expect an unprovoked attack by a third Power, or something that threatened the gênerai peace, it should immediately discuss with the other whether both Governments should act together to prevent aggression and to préserve peace, and, if so, what measures they would be prepared to take in common. If thèse measures involved action, the plans of the General Staffs would at once be taken into considération, and the Governments would then décide what cffect should be given to them.

Yours, etc.,

E. GBEY.

"Enclosure 1 in No. 105".