51. Sir J. D. REESasked the Lord President of the Council whether Article X of the Covenant of the League of Nations is still in force; and whether the obligation which lies upon signatories to preserve the territories of one another against external aggression operates in view of threatened, probable, or possible aggression, or only when war-like operations have actually been commenced?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Fisher)I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The question of the interpretation of the Article was considered by the First Committee of the Second Assembly in connection with the Canadian proposal for its suppression. I would refer the hon. Baronet to the Committee's report and the relative resolution of the Assembly contained in the special supplement of the League's official journal for October, 1921, copies of which will be found in the Library of the House.
Sir J. D. REESIn view of the comprehensive and compromising character of Article X., is it not desirable that the position of the British Government in respect of it should be stated, and in answer to this question?
§ Mr. FISHERI am advised that that is not expedient.
§ Mr. FISHERI was not defending that which was inexpedient.