§ 19. Major CRAWFURDasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the discussion of the Permanent Mandates Commission in October last year upon the attitude which mandatory Governments would be likely to adopt in the event of members of the Commission, either personally or by deputy, wishing to visit mandatory territories solely in order to acquaint themselves more fully with the local conditions; and whether he is prepared to say that if at any time members of the Permanent Mandates Commission should wish to pay such a visit the British Government, so far from taking any exception, would be prepared to welcome and facilitate such visits to territories under British mandate?
§ Mr. AMERYI have seen the Report of the discussions to which the hon. Member refers. The proposal for visits to mandated territories by the Permanent Mandates Commission or by individual members of that Commission who would inevitably be regarded in the territories as visiting in an official capacity, raises important questions of principle touching the relations of the Mandatory Power with the inhabitants of the territory, and the Mandatory's obligations to the Council of the League of Nations, as well as league procedure, not only in this but also in other spheres of its activity. His Majesty's Government are therefore reluctant to express an opinion on a question which would require a thorough investigation and decision by the Council.
§ Major CRAWFURDIf we have nothing to conceal in our administration of these territories, surely the Government will welcome visits of this kind?
§ Mr. AMERYCertainly we have nothing to conceal, and we are only too pleased to see all possible visitors, but this is a question which raises a number of issues affecting, not only this country, but all other mandatory Powers and the Council of the League of Nations.
§ Major CRAWFURDWill not any action by our Government in welcoming and encouraging such visits be an admirable example of confidence and trust?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs not this a case where we could set a precedent of great value?
§ Mr. DALTONMay I ask what attitude the Government's representatives on the Council of the League are taking up?
§ Mr. AMERYI understand that the question has not formally come before the Council of the League. The natural course will be for it to come up from the Mandatory Commission, and all the circumstances will be taken into account.
§ Major CRAWFURDIf I put the question down at a later date, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me a more definite answer?
§ Mr. AMERYUntil the Council of the League have taken the matter into consideration, I can, perhaps, give only the same answer.
§ Major CRAWFURDWill the right hon. Gentleman recommend the Government to raise this question on the Council of the League?
§ Mr. SPEAKERPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.