§ 42. Mr. CLYNESasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's" Government to instruct the British delegates to the forthcoming meeting of the assembly of the League of Nations to propose that the right to-determine the terms of the mandates reposes in the members of the League; that the terms of the draft mandates be published before being finally approved; and that the approval of the members of the League be obtained by submitting the draft mandates to the, assembly of the League?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative. His Majesty's Government think the matter should be dealt with in accordance with the terms of the Covenant.
Sir J. D. REESMay I ask whether the collective wisdom of the Governments of the Great Powers will have to be submitted to the judgment of these gentlemen at Geneva? Can they alter, amend and reject a mandate?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Great Powers are represented, of course, on the Council of the League, and these mandates have to be submitted to the Council of the League. It will require the unanimous consent of the Council of the League to reject them.
Sir J. D. REESCan the representatives of the great Governments be outvoted by the representatives of the small Governments, and who can ensure that these gentlemen at Geneva will be endowed with sufficient grace, wisdom and understanding?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNothing can be done except by a unanimous decision of the Council. That means that nothing can be done without the consent of the Powers concerned.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIs it not definitely laid down by the Treaty of Versailles that the degree of authority and control to be exercised by any mandatory in a mandatory area is a matter for the League of Nations, Council or Assembly, to decide?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, subject to the conditions which I have already indicated.