§ 31. Mr. HURDasked the Lord President of the Council whether Governor Forbes declined the invitation of the Council of the League of Nations to serve on the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League because the Government of the United States does not wish any national of the United States to serve on this Commission pending a reconsideration of the Yap Mandate; whether the Council of the League intend to invite a national of some other State to serve on the commission in lieu of Governor Forbes; and, if so, of which State?
§ The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Balfour)Governor Forbes had to decline the invitation to become a member of the Permanent Mandates Commission owing to his having accepted an appointment on a mission for the United States Government to the Philippines. The question of the appointment of a substitute for Governor Forbes has not yet been brought before the Council.
Sir J. D. REESIs the statement in the question that the objection of the United States depended on a reconsideration of the Yap Mandate correct? Is it not the present position that the United States repudiates the League and any Commission under it, root and branch—lock, stock, and barrel?
§ Mr. BALFOURI have given the House all the information at my disposal with regard to the motives, or reasons, which prevented Governor Forbes taking the appointment. I am afraid I can add nothing fresh to what I have said.