HC Deb 01 July 1924 vol 175 cc1122-3
45. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister who are the representatives of His Majesty's Government on the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League of Nations this year; and what instructions have been given to the British representative with regard to the recruiting of native troops in mandated areas and the control of the liquor traffic?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Thomas)

Sir F. Lugard is a member of the Permanent Mandates Commission and Mr. Ormsby-Gore, M.P., will be present as representing His Majesty's Government when the Reports from British Mandated Territories are under consideration. It has been decided that natives of British mandated territories are not to be recruited for service outside the territories, while within them they may only be recruited for police or local defence. As regards the liquor traffic, I would refer to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Member for Camborne (Mr. L. Jones) on the 7th May. The accredited British representative has been in close touch with the Colonial Office and is fully aware of the position with regard to these subjects.

Mr. JOHN HARRIS

Do those instructions include the surrender of the claim by the late Government of the British right to accept in all forces in British territories volunteers from mandated territory?

Mr. THOMAS

I would like to have notice of that question.