HC Deb 20 May 1919 vol 116 cc192-3
51. Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now give an undertaking that the House shall have an opportunity of discussing the question of indemnities before the Peace Treaty is signed?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to a similar question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Chertsey yesterday.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Then may I ask whether the position of this House, so far as any control of the Treaty is concerned, is this: when it comes forward for ratification we must take it or leave it, and we shall have no power to amend it in any respect?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That, in my opinion, exactly represents the position, and I do no see in what other way any Treaty could ever be arranged.