HC Deb 23 May 1928 vol 217 cc1855-7
12. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will specify the regions, referred to in paragraph 10 of his Note to the United States Government, in regard to which His Majesty's Government claims freedom of action irrespective of any peace pact?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The reply returned by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain to the United States proposals for the renunciation of war is at present under consideration by the United States Government. His Majesty's Government will at the proper time be pre- pared to offer any explanations which may be required to facilitate the negotiation of the proposed pact, but at present I do not think it desirable to add to the general statement of the position of His Majesty's Government contained in my Note of the 19th of May.

Mr. THURTLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people of this country as well as the United States are vitally interested in this matter? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman be specific and tell us where these regions are, because of the interests of the people of this country?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think that I should conduce to the progress, of the negotiations if I comment upon the Note which has been addressed to the American Government for their consideration. Obviously, if they want any explanation, His Majesty's Government will be prepared to give it.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Has this Parliament no rights in the matter? Cannot we be informed what are the territories outside the Empire in regard to which we refuse to negotiate respecting the outlawry of war?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The hon. and gallant Member need not suspect me of discourtesy if I do not reply to that question.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are these reservations fixed and permanent, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, or will there be an opportunity later on of wiping out any reservation against the American ideal?

Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

Are not these questions far more likely to be detrimental to the cause of peace than otherwise?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

That is obviously so, and that is why I prefer not to answer.

17. Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of the differences of opinion which have arisen in the negotiations connected with the Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No difference has at present arisen and I hope that none will arise, but the terms of the new treaty to replace the Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty of 1908 are still under consideration and His Majesty's Government in Great Britain are not yet in a position to take a decision upon them.