§ 46. Mr. NOEL BUXTONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the claim of Germany to participate in the grant by the League of Nations of Colonial mandates was recognised by the Locarno Agreement; and whether the recent statement of the Secretary of State for the Colonies that the Tanganyika mandate is permanent represents the policy of the Cabinet?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe right hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. The question of Colonial mandates is not dealt with in the Locarno Agreement at all. On the other hand, as explained by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Westbury (Captain W. Shaw) on 18th March, it was indicated to the German delegation at Locarno verbally that Germany, when a member of the League, would be a possible candidate for Colonial mandates like all other members. It is incorrect, however, to suggest that any promise or undertaking was given to the German Government. In regard to the second part of this question the answer is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. BUXTONCan the Prime Minister assure the House that the attitude of the Government in regard to future mandates and possible German occupation has not been modified since Locarno?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROh, certainly not.
Captain BENNDo we understand that it is the view of the Government that despite the over-riding authority of the League of Nations under Article 22, a mandatory Power holds it mandate in perpetuity?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that follows. Obviously, it is subject to the League. The basis of this question was whether anything settled at Locarno affected the question of mandates, and the answer is No.
Captain BENNBut the second part of this question asks whether this mandate is permanent, and I ask whether the Government recognise the over-riding authority of the League to terminate or modify it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Treaty of Versailles governs it. I have not got the wording of the relevant Clause in my mind, but everything is subject to the action of the League under the Treaty of Versailles.