60. Sir G. DOYLEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the resignations from the Socialistische Arbeiter Internationale of the, Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, the Colonial Secretary, the Minister of Labour, the President of the Board of Trade, and the Minister of Transport, it is proposed on behalf of the Government to replace them by other representatives?
§ 68. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that it is expressly provided in the constitution of the Labour and Socialist International, of which he and his colleagues are still members, that resolutions of the International imply a self-imposed limitation on the autonomy of affiliated organisations, and that in conflicts between nations the International should be recognised as the highest authority; and if he will state whether he and his colleagues intend to continue their membership of this international organisation?
§ Mr. W. THORNEBefore the Prime Minister answers these questions, may I ask if he is aware, that neither this Government nor any other Government have any power in connection with filling the vacancies caused by these resignations?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing to add to previous replies on this subject, except to regret that, in spite of what was then said, the first of these questions continues the circulation of statements that are not in accordance with facts.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIn regard to Question No. 68, will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House, is there, or is there not, a self-imposed limitation on the autonomy of affiliated organisations in connection with this international organisation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understood that point was covered in the answer already given. I have no objection to repeating it. So long as a body is affiliated to this society, it accepts the decisions of the society as a nation does so long as it is part of the League of Nations. Should any decision be taken which would be an oppressive limitation of the freedom of a body, or which would be contrary to the fundamental conceptions that a body has of its duty to itself and to the electors, then the ordinary method would be adopted, and the body would resign and case to be affiliated.
§ Sir W. DAVISONMay we take it that it is not the case that this is a self-imposed limitation on the autonomy of the various organisations forming the International?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEAre we to understand that the Labour party regard themselves as much bound to this organisation as the country regards itself bound to the League of Nations?
§ The PRIME MINISTERSo long as the Labour party agrees with the decisions of this International.
Sir G. DOYLEWill the right hon. Gentleman state if he knows whether these vacancies have been filled?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have already replied to that question.