HC Deb 11 May 1927 vol 206 cc360-1
5. Viscount SANDON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the maintenance of a Legation at the Vatican is now regarded as a matter of permanent policy or, if not, what developments are awaited to fulfil the period necessary for the completion of its desirability according to the policy of earlier post-War Governments?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have no intention of withdrawing the Mission to the Holy See.

Mr. THURTLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it is considered necessary to maintain the Legation at the Vatican?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

His Majesty's Government found it convenient to establish this delegation at a time of great international trouble and difficulty. To withdraw the delegation now would, I think, he an almost offensive action, which we should be slow to adopt. Apart from that, whatver views we may have individually about the Roman Church, there can be no doubt that the head of that Church represents a great force in the world and is venerated by many millions of His Majesty's subjects.

Mr. THURTLE

May I ask whether, as this delegation was sent at a time of abnormal circumstances, now that conditions have become normal we ought not as a matter of ordinary policy to withdraw the delegation?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir, I think certainly not. I think it would be highly impolitic.

Sir HENRY SLESSER

Is it not a fact that the appointment of the delegation was one of ordinary policy and did not entirely arise under extraordinary circumstances?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I think that ordinary and extraordinary circumstances combined to induce the Government of the day to make that decision.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Did not the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Aberavon (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald) keep this Legation in being very properly?