HC Deb 23 April 1923 vol 163 cc18-9
46. Captain BENN

asked the Prime Minister whether he has consulted the Dominions on the subject of the French occupation of the Ruhr?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Baldwin)

As I intimated in my speech in the House on the 28th March, His Majesty s Government are, and intend to be, in close touch with the Dominion Governments on this matter.

Captain W. BENN

Have the Government consulted the. Dominions; for instance, did they consult General Smuts before he made his speech proclaiming a different policy from ours?

Sir HENRY CRAIK

Is it a proper course for His Majesty's Government to consult the Governments of the Dominions upon the conduct of one of our Allies?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Does the right hon. Gentleman not know, to his own satisfaction, that the Dominions are strongly pro-French?

Mr. BALDWIN

I think "consultation" and "close touch" mean very much the same thing.