HC Deb 17 November 1926 vol 199 c1829
6. Mr. CAMPBELL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which of the signatory States to the International Opium Convention of February, 1925, have ratified that convention; when it is anticipated it will come into force; and whether the International Opium Convention signed at The Hague in 1912 continues in operation?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

A ratification of the International Opium Convention has been deposited on behalf of His Majesty covering all the parts of the British Empire other than Canada and the Irish Free State. Of the other signatories, so far as His Majesty's Government are aware, only the Sudan and Portugal have deposited ratifications. The Convention will not come into force until the requisite number of ratifications prescribed in Article 36 have been deposited. In September last, the Assembly of the League of Nations adopted, at the instance of the British representative, a resolution urging the Governments of all States members of the League to ratify or accede to the Convention, so that the necessary ratifications might be deposited before the end of the present year, and His Majesty's Government earnestly hope that the remaining signatories will ratify with all possible despatch. The Hague Convention of 1912 continues in operation as between the States parties to it.