48. Sir. J. D. REESasked the Lord President of the Council whether, in the Mandates for Samoa, Nauru, German South-West Africa, and German possessions in the Pacific, Article 4 is to be literally construed so as to make the defence of the mandated territories against external attack impossible; and whether, under Article 5, allowing missionaries who are nationals of any State which is a member of the League of Nations to reside and prosecute their calling in mandated territories, American missionaries are excluded?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI do not think that the literal construction of Article 4 in the Mandates referred to will have the effect contemplated by my hon. Friend. The answer to the second branch of the question is in the negative.
Sir J. D. REESWhat is the meaning of saying that nations which are members of the League may send their missionaries if equally those who are not members of the League may send theirs?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI understand there is a discretion on the part of the mandatory Powers to allow these privileges if they think so.