Grey, as related in his own words, said : "I made no prom- ises and I used no threats, but I expressed that opinion." The accuracy of that opinion has been questioned, in view of the temper of the House of Commons elected at a time when resentment at the imperialist war in South Africa was powerful. On the basis of the statement made by Sir Ed- ward Grey, the French Government said to the British Foreign Minister, as reported by him:
"If you think it possible that the public opinion of Great Britain might, should a sudden crisis arise, jus- tify you in giving to France the armed support which you cannot promise in advance, you will not be able to give that support, even if you wish it when the time comes, unless some conversations have already taken place between naval and military experts."
Sir Edward Grey saw merit in this proposal and agreed to it. He authorized that conversations should take place, but with the distinct under- standing that nothing which would bind either Government should occur. However, the holding of conversations between two Powers concerning military cooperation is in itself a sufficiently seri- ous matter out of which expectations and rela- tionships are apt to arise that cannot be over- looked in future action. The Cabinet was not informed of the authorization given by Sir Ed-
