HC Deb 10 April 1922 vol 153 cc32-3
55. Sir ARTHUR FELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when and how the Treaty of London of 1839 has been anulled so far as it relates to the Powers which guaranteed Belgium and which have not, since that date, been at war with that country?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Of the five guarantor Powers, after excluding Russia and those which have been at war with Belgium, there remain France and Great Britain. These two and Belgium are in mutual agreement that, in consequence of past events, the treaty establishing the guarantee can no longer be regarded as in force. The guarantor Powers which have been at war with Belgium have agreed under the treaties of Peace to the abrogation of the treaty.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Is Germany still a guarantor?

Sir A. FELL

Does the Government still consider that this is a satisfactory arrangement, such an indefinite thing as an understanding being in force instead of a guarantee?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The hon. Gentleman knows that other arrangements have been under consideration.

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