§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENN(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have any information respecting the military advance of the Poles, and whether it is their intention to propose the reference to this matter to the League of Nations under Article 11 of the Covenant?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIn reply to the first part of the question, the Government has no information beyond what has appeared in the Press. As to the second part, it has more than once been announced in the House that the Government could give the countries adjoining Russia no advice as to the course they should adopt towards the Soviet Government, and could accept no responsibility for any action they might take. As at present advised, the Government are not prepared to take the action suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Captain BENNDoes the right hon. Gentleman say that it would not be competent for the Government to move under Article 11?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, I did not say that; but my hon. Friend speaks as if this were the beginning of a new war. He is aware there has been no peace between the Polish and Bolshevik forces, and there has been no cessation of hostilities.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has no news or information except the Press; are we not in com- 1899 munication with our own diplomatic representative in Poland?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWhat I said was that we had no information beyond what has appeared in the Press.
§ Captain BENNDoes the right hon. Gentleman say that Article 11 of the Covenant cannot be applied except before a war has been commenced? Cannot it be applied to hostilities which may be in progress?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWCertainly; but if the hon. Gentleman will look at Article 11 he will see that it lays it down that the League of Nations has to take action if they think it would be wise and effectual; this is the development of a war that has been going on.
§ Lord R. CECILMay I ask whether, in point of fact, the Article does not apply to any war or any threat of war that takes place at any time, and will not the Government seriously consider what may be the ultimate effect of the unhappy events which are proceeding in Central Europe, and particularly in the State of Poland?
Sir J. D. REESBefore the right hon. Gentleman replies may I ask if His Majesty's Government are the protectors of the Poles or should they not themselves move in this matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWUndoubtedly it is within the power of every Member of the League of Nations to suggest action; but, as I have said, the Government are not prepared to suggest it because the circumstances are not of such a nature as to make them think it their duty to do so.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY(at end of Questions): I beg to give notice that, on the Motion for the Adjournment to-night, I shall call attention to the non-presentation to this House of Sir Stuart Samuel's Report on the alleged atrocities in Poland.