HC Deb 09 June 1920 vol 130 cc401-2
53. Mr. PALMER

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the United States, which is to delimit the boundaries of Armenia, has refused to accept the mandatory for Armenia, he will consider the advisability of recommending to the Allies that no power shall delimit boundaries which does not also undertake the responsibility of protecting such boundaries when delimited and accepting full mandatory duties?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The hon. Member is labouring under a misconception. The President of the United States, in his personal capacity, was asked to delimit the boundaries of Armenia, and I am glad to say he has accepted the task. He was further asked, as head of the United States Government, whether America would accept the mandate (not the "mandatory") for Armenia. This involved reference to Congress, which has, unfor- tunately refused. But I am unable to agree that this refusal of the United States Government to accept the burden of the mandate should preclude His Majesty's Government and their Allies from submitting to the arbitration of President Wilson the difficult question of the boundaries of the Armenian State.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

May I ask the meaning of the phrase, to do this "in his personal capacity," as distinguished from his official capacity?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I should have thought my hon. Friend knew that as well as I.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

As President Wilson or Mr. Wilson?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is a distinction which it would be very difficult to draw. He is President and he is Mr. Wilson.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In the likely event of the United States refusing the mandate, are we to leave the Armenians to their devices or are we to consider any other mandatory, having regard to the fact that it will probably end with the mandate being taken by Soviet Russia?

Mr. PALMER

In view of the fact that America has already refused the mandate, can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether this country will be compelled to undertake that duty?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is an important question, but I think I can say at once that we shall not undertake it.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

There is no oil there.

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