§ 35. Mr. A. HERBERTasked the Prime Minister whether the disposition of the 1280 Island of Yap was provisionally decided upon with the assent of American representatives at Paris in the year 1919; at which meeting and on what date the Supreme Allied Council selected Japan as mandatory for the island; whether the first protest against this decision was received from the American Government in November, 1920; and whether this protest was communicated to the Council of the League of Nations before they finally approved the Japanese mandate on 20th December, 1920?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe subject referred to in the question is under friendly discussion between the United States of America and the Allied Powers. I am sure that my hon. Friend will agree with me in thinking that nothing could be gained, and much might be lost, by dragging the controversy into the Parliamentary arena, whether by question and answer or otherwise.
§ Mr. LYLE-SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when he refers to dragging the controversy into the publicity of Parliament, he is touching the very point of interest to the masses of the people of this country, who wish these international questions to be brought before Parliament, in order that they may understand where they are? In view of the fact that the Treaty of Versailles required the four signatures of the four representatives of the four great countries, and that one signature has now not been honoured, will the right hon. Gentleman consider at an early date placing the people of this country, through this House of Commons, in a position to understand exactly where we are at the present moment with reference to international affairs?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am perfectly certain that the last thing the people of this country desire is any misunderstanding with the people of the United States. Anything which will conduce to or provoke discussions which may lead to any such misunderstanding will be deprecated by everyone.
§ Mr. LYLE-SAMUELWill not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the chief cause of misunderstanding is the reticence of the executives of the various Governments, and that the best means of disposing of all misunderstanding is a plain statement, understanded of the common people, to the House of Commons?