HC Deb 03 May 1920 vol 128 c1700
46. Captain W. BENN

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish to the House the terms of the mandates for Mesopotamia and Palestine; and whether these mandates permit us to bring these territories within the scheme of Imperial preference?

Mr. SHORTT

The actual terms of the mandates for Syria, Mesopotamia and Palestine will be decided by the principal Allied Powers and laid before the League of Nations for approval. Until this has been done, I am unable to make any statement on the point raised in the latter half of the question.

Captain BENN

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the British Government will indicate their desire that no such Imperial Preference shall be applicable to the mandatory? [HON MEMBERS: "No, no!"]

Sir J. D. REES

Is the approval of the League of Nations as to the form or the substance?

Mr. SHORTT

Both.

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