§ 38. Mr. HARMSWORTHasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Government of Iraq have applied for membership of the League of Nations; and whether such membership would relieve His Majesty's Government of any portion of their financial commitments to Iraq?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAs I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on the 25th July, there has been some discussion on this subject between the British and Iraq Governments. No application has been made to the League. The second part of the question raises a hypothetical question, which I cannot deal with in my reply.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas any agreement been reached with the representatives of the Iraq Government, and when will this House be informed of the negotiations?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe announcement will be made as soon as the negotiations are completed.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill it be made in this House first of all?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI must consult my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary as to that, but I should think so.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman press strongly for preliminary publication in this House?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes, certainly. If a question is put down, say for next Monday, I may be able then to make some statement.