§ 8. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform this House as to the result of his consultation with the French High Commissioner for Syria; and whether His Majesty's Government are committed in any way to assist or support the French Government in any measures they may take against the Druses?
45. Captain BENNasked the Prime Minister what is the Government's policy in reference to co-operation with other Mandatory Powers in the Near East and, particularly, what promises of cooperation were made to M. de Jouvenel on the occasion of his recent visit to London; and whether any such undertakings included any pledge of a military character?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs stated in a communique made to the Press after the meeting between M. de Jouvenel and the Secretary of State for the Colonies and myself, the French and British Governments desire that their friendly relation- 1343 ship and close co-operation should extend to all questions in which they have a common interest. It is obvious that the relationship of the Mandated Territories of Syria, Iraq and Palestine afford such a field of common interest, and we discussed them and in particular the settlement of that part of the common frontier which has not yet been delimited. Military action by His Majesty's forces against the Druses was, of course, neither asked for nor offered.