HC Deb 12 February 1924 vol 169 cc730-1
20. Mr. HUDSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office has received an invitation from the League of Nations to state what would be the attitude of this country towards the draft Treaty of mutual assistance communicated to the council and members of the League on 27th September, 1923; whether any reply has been despatched to the League; and, if so, what was the nature of the reply?

The PRIME MINISTER

His Majesty's Government have received a request for a statement of their views on the draft Treaty, but the terms of the reply have not yet been settled.

Mr. FISHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman, before sending a reply to the League of Nations on this important point, take the Governments of the Dominions into consultation

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that that would be done in the ordinary course, but I am perfectly willing to say that it will be done in this respect.

Mr. HARVEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to say that, before a decisive reply is given committing the whole country on this question, this House will have an opportunty of expressing its opinion?