HC Deb 12 May 1924 vol 173 cc887-8
33. Mr. H. H. SPENCER

asked the Prime Minister whether he has discovered, since he became Foreign Secretary, any secret treaties or agreements in existence when he took office, or in existence when the War began, or entered into by His Majesty's Government since the commencement of this century?

Mr. PONSONBY

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for East Bristol (Mr. Baker) on the 3rd March. All treaties, whether secret or not at the time, have now been published or their contents are known.

Mr. SPENCER

Will the hon. Gentleman look at the specific point in the question: Whether the Foreign Secretary has discovered the existence of any such treaties?

Mr. PONSONBY

That, I think, is fully dealt with in my reply.

Mr. SPENCER

Is the hon. Gentleman able to explain the specific statement of his colleague the First Commissioner of Works (Mr. Jowett), that these treaties were in existence—a statement made 10 days ago at Bradford

Mr. PONSONBY

I have not seen the statement.