§ 56. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs with which of the Dominions trade negotiations preliminary to the Ottawa Conference have been and are taking place; and in which cases, if any, there have been no such negotiations?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)Preliminary discussions have been taking place with Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Newfoundland and Southern Rhodesia; 1319 and also with India. No discussions have taken place with the Irish Free State.
§ Mr. MAXTONMay I ask why the Irish Free State is being excluded from these negotiations?
Mr. THOMASBecause as I have explained to the House, at the present moment the Irish Free State Government have repudiated an agreement entered into between representatives of Ireland and ourselves. We feel that no good purpose will be served by entering into further negotiations with people until they show that they are ready to observe agreements. [Interruption.]
§ Mr. MAXTONAfter the applause has subsided may I ask whether that means that the Irish Free State is to be excluded from the Ottawa Conference?
Mr. THOMASThat has nothing to do with us whatever. The Irish Free State will, as is well known, attend the Ottawa Conference at the invitation of the Canadian Government. We are not concerned with any legal or constitutional aspect of this question. We are concerned with the simple moral obligation of both parties to an agreement to abide by that agreement. That is our position.
§ Mr. MAXTONAm I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the Irish Free State may be present at the Conference at Ottawa and take part in the proceedings of the Conference without having taken any part in the previous negotiations?
Mr. THOMASI have not the remotest idea what will happen at Ottawa—[Interruption]—as far as the Irish Free State is concerned. I am concerned only with intimating clearly and courteously what has been made plain to the world, that the British Government cannot assume for one moment that a Treaty would receive more sanctity at Ottawa than if made at London.
§ Mr. LANSBURYI think we should clear up this point as to who is issuing the invitations and who will determine whether the Irish Free State, if it accepts, will be allowed to sit at Ottawa. Is it not the fact that the Canadian Government are issuing the invitations and also the fact that the Conference will be 1320 the master of its own proceedings, including the British Government?