HC Deb 21 July 1919 vol 118 cc1126-8

The approval of Parliament is hereby given to the Treaty set out in the Schedule to this Act.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

This Bill has not been properly explained; it has not been properly debated, and it is not properly understood by this Parliament. This Parliament, with all due respect, is abrogating its proper functions, and at a time when the only hope of order and progress is the fairness, the respect and dignity of Parliament, it is brought in here at this early hour of the morning. I do not believe the people of the country will tolerate it, or the mass of the soldiers and the sailors of the Navy if they knew what was being done. We are on our last trial, and we are failing.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 2 (Short Title) ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Bill be now read the third time.

Mr. HOGGE

I will not keep the House a few minutes, but I want to repeat this as often as I can. Will the Prime Minister tell us whether this Bill is necessary, because the French wanted to claim the left bank of the Rhine? Will he tell us, as the head of the Government, when he proposes to reduce our Army?

The PRIME MINISTER

The second question I have already answered. With regard to the first, I support this Bill on its merits, because I think it is the right thing to do. So far as the French Prime Minister is concerned, he never made the claim to the left bank of the Rhine—never.

This is a guarantee which, I think, we ought to give having regard to the terrible condition of France after the War. I will only say further that I am very much obliged to hon. Members for enabling the Government to get this Bill to-night. I think it will have a very good effect abroad.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I would like an assurance from the Prime Minister—it would be a good thing if he could give it—that there is no truth in the Press reports going about America that both the Americans and the British will keep up four times the land forces that they had before the War on account of this Bill. I am putting this forward in the most friendly manner. It would relieve the minds of people in this country.

The PRIME MINISTER

I have never heard the statement, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member and the House that there is not a word of truth in it.

Bill accordingly read the third time, and passed.

The remaining Orders were read and postponed

ADJOURNMENT.—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn."[Lord E. Talbot.]

Adjourned accordingly at Twenty-four minutes before Four o'clock a.m.