HC Deb 21 May 1928 vol 217 cc1507-8
38. Mr. HURD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any proposal is under consideration for a peace pact between Canada and the United States distinct from that suggestion as between the United States of America and the British Empire as a whole?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

On this point, I would invite the hon. Member's attention to the last paragraph of the reply returned by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain on the 19th instant to the United States proposals for the renunciation of war. I think the hon. Member's question appeared on the Paper before that reply was published. He will see that the point he raises was dealt with.

Mr. HURD

May I take it that there are no secondary pacts in contemplation?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

As far as I know, none.

Mr. RENNIE SMITH

Have all the Dominions agreed to the whole of the statement in detail sent to Mr. Kellogg?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Will the hon. Member take the trouble to read the Government's reply to the United States He will find an answer to his question set out in the concluding paragraph.

39. Sir F. HALL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the United States Government have submitted any proposals for the conclusion of conciliation and arbitration treaties between America and Great Britain on similar lines to the treaties which have just been signed between America and Germany; and if he can state whether such treaties, which leave freedom of action to both countries after the lapse of a year if causes of dispute are not then settled by peaceful means are intended to be supplementary to the proposed universal peace pact, or whether they will be abrogated if such a pact is entered into?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The United States Government have made proposals for a new Arbitration Treaty to replace the Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty of 1908 which expires on the 4th of June next. These proposals are receiving careful consideration at the hands of His Majesty's Government. No proposals have been made by the United States Government for a Conciliation Treaty because there is already such a Treaty in force between the United States and Great Britain, namely, the Anglo-American Treaty regarding the establishment of a Peace Commission, signed at Washington on the 15th September, 1914. I see no reason why this Treaty or the Conciliation Treaties now being negotiated between the United States and a number of foreign countries should be abrogated if, as I hope will be the case, the proposed Treaty for the Renunciation of War becomes an accomplished fact.