§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI had given notice to ask the Lord Privy Seal a question about the Mesopotamia Mandate, but I have had a letter from the Prime Minister asking me to postpone it until Wednesday. In view of the fact that the Mandate comes before the League of Nations on the 21st, I wish to ask that he should instruct our delegates not to put the matter through until after Wednesday.
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)I cannot give that promise. I am not now going to argue the question, because I promised to consider it. I have done so with the Prime Minister, and we have come to the conclusion that although we think the answer I gave yesterday is correct, it must be borne in mind that the subject is to be discussed with representatives of the Allies who come here on Monday. I ask the House, therefore, to wait until we have had that consultation.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIs it not equally fair to ask my right hon. Friend at least to instruct our delegates not to carry this through the League of Nations until after Wednesday. I have postponed the question for the Government's convenience in order that the Allies' representatives may be consulted. Will my 274 right hon. Friend postpone the submission of this Mandate until after Wednesday?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is obvious that the Council of the League of Nations, which meets only on Monday, cannot deal with this before Wednesday, and my right hon. Friend or the chief British representative will arrange, if he can—I have no doubt he can—to have the discussion postponed.
§ Lieut. Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his statement yesterday that the Mesopotamia mandate had to be put before the Council of the League before it came before this House, was not correct?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOh, no; there is no actual word one way or the other. It is a pity that I should argue this now. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that there are at least two sides to that question.