§ 85. Major-General Sir FREDERICK SYKESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact, that the terms of Articles 5 and 34 of the International Air Convention are an obstacle to the adherence to the Convention of the States of Denmark, Spain, Finland, Norway, 2322 the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland; whether he is aware that protocols of amendment of these articles were adopted by the International Air Commission in October, 1922, and June, 1923, respectively; what ratifications are still necessary to make the protocols operative; and, having regard to the objections .of the German Government to the present terms of these articles and to the desirability of securing transit of civil aircraft across Europe under uniform conditions of international agreement and regulation, what diplomatic action is being taken by His Majesty's and other Governments to secure these ratifications?
§ Viscount CURZONI have been asked to reply. The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, the ratification of the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes is the only one now outstanding. As regards the last part, His Majesty's Representative at Belgrade has been for some time in communication with the Jugo-Slavian Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon this subject. According to the latest report at the beginning of this month the necessary legislation has been submitted to the Belgrade Parliament, but the House is not expected to meet before 15th September. I understand that representations have also been made by the French Government through diplomatic channels.