§ 46 and 48. Mr. G. BALFOURasked the Prime Minister (1) whether the composition of the proposed League of Nations will be such that no combination of small or recently hostile Powers therein shall be able to control British means of national defence or lawful commercial enterprise or expansion, and (2) whether care will be taken to prevent the proposed League of Nations from having power, by the votes of a majority of non-British members, to order the British people to do anything which that people might consider disastrous to its most vital interests?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is not possible to discuss details of such subjects by means of question and answer, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that vital British interests will not be jeopardised.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman say when this House will have an opportunity of discussing a rather important matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, I cannot.
§ 65. Sir CHARLES HENRYasked the Prime Minister whether the delegates of the United States at the Peace Conference have notified that if the proposals as regards the League of Nations are adopted they are prepared to modify, and, if so, to what extent, the provisions of the Monroe doctrine?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe point has not, I understand, been raised at the Peace Conference.
§ Sir C. HENRYIs it likely to be?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI should not think so.