HC Deb 02 March 1932 vol 262 cc1085-6
5. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had brought to his notice by the Government of the United States of America the letter written by Mr. Stimson to Senator Borah on the question of preventing war by means of the recognition or non-recognition of the results of illegal or immoral action by an offending state; and, if so, what action he is taking?

Mr. EDEN

Yes, Sir. A copy of the letter has been received. As I informed the hon. Members for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) and Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) on the 24th of February, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have already made their attitude clear on this question. I would further remind the right hon. Gentleman that the appeal to the Japanese Government by the 12 members of the Council, of whom His Majesty's Government was one, also made specific reference to this point.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are we to understand from the answer that His Majesty's Government approves of the principles of the letter?

Mr. EDEN

I think the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will be on safer ground if he assumes that we approved of the statement which His Majesty's Government made as a member of the Council.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

But the letter was not then written, and was not before His Majesty's Government at that time. Is the letter being considered with a view to any new action?

Mr. EDEN

No further action is contemplated at present.