48. Lieut.-Colonel MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether he regards the action taken by the United States Senate and other persons or bodies representing the American people, in respect to Ireland, as a violation of Article 10 of Part I. (the League of Nations' Covenant), included in the Treaty of Peace, signed at Versailles on 28th July, 1919; if so, what action is it proposed to take, or, if not, and in view of the unsettled policy in regard to Ireland, will he put the future government of Ireland on the agenda for consideration at the next meeting of the Council of the League of Nations?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first and third parts of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.
§ Mr. DEVLINWhat is the League of "Nations formed for?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is being formed in the hope of preventing war.
§ Mr. DEVLINAnd is not the best way to prevent war to withdraw Armies of Occupation from countries that are civilised, as Ireland is?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is not the only good method. Another good method would be to withdraw the necessity of having Armies of Occupation.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the right hon. Gentleman withdraw the necessity by giving the people the right to control their own affairs?