§ 7. Mr. A. HENDERSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the breach by Italy of her obligations under the Pact of Paris, what effect this will have on the policy of Great Britain and the other signatories to the Pact; and whether Italy is still to be treated as a party to the Pact?
§ Mr. EDENThis is a matter which would be one for all the parties to the Pact of Paris. I would, however, point 618 out that the Pact does not itself prescribe any action to be taken in the event of its violation by one of the high contracting parties.
§ Mr. HENDERSONIs the Foreign Secretary aware that in the Preamble of the Treaty in question the signatories expressed the view that any country which fails to carry out its obligations under the Treaty should be deprived of the benefits of the Treaty? If that be so, is it not desirable to take some action in order to prevent the Treaty being reduced to a tragic farce?
§ Mr. EDENI am well aware of what is in the Preamble. If the hon. Member wants to put a question, I should like him to put it on the Order Paper, because I do not think that the meaning is precisely that which he imagines it is.