HC Deb 20 February 1924 vol 169 cc1743-4
50. Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether the recent Treaty with King Feisal will be submitted to this House for ratification; and whether His Majesty's Government will advise the non-ratification of this Treaty and the early evacuation of Iraq?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Treaty with King Feisal, with the protocol of April, 1923, and subsidiary agreements, will he submitted to the House before ratification. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 19th instant to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy). As I then stated, His Majesty's Government are giving careful consideration to the question of the policy to be pursued in Iraq. I can add nothing further at this stage.

Captain BERKELEY

May we take it that the Government will remember—I am sure we may—that this territory is held under mandate from the League of Nations, and that the League of Nations must be consulted?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is all included in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend.

Earl WINTERTON

When the right hon. Gentleman speaks of ratification, does he mean that it will be put forward with the full support of His Majesty's Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

Certainly. This is one of our inheritances, which we shall carry out.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether Iraq has applied for entry to the League of Nations, in which case would not the Treaty cease to be operative?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend would give me notice of that question. That is under consideration.

Mr. MOSLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Mandate is already abrogated by the Treaty in question?