§ 45. Lieut.-Commander KENW0RTHYasked the Prime Minister when the Pact of Paris, commonly known as the Kellogg Peace Pact, is to be brought before Parliament?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI have been asked to reply. The opinion of both Houses of Parliament from the first declared itself so strongly in favour of ratification, and this view was so unanimously expressed in the course of the 597 Debates which have already taken place, that any further discussion of the Treaty appears to His Majesty's Government unnecessary. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom propose, therefore, to deposit their ratification as soon as His Majesty's Government in the Dominions are in a position to act.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very important document, and would it not be better at any rate to go through the formality of seeing whether the House is unanimous in assenting to it?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI am aware of the importance of the document, but I think it would be really wasting the time of the House to ask it to repeat a decision already so clearly marked and so unanimously expressed.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask when this House was invited to give a decision on this matter, and whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that certain criticisms were levelled at him in regard to reservations in connection with the Pact?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe House was not invited to express an opinion, but it expressed its opinion of its own motion, as it is entitled to do. As regards reservations, there are no British reservations any more than there are any American.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYIt is most irregular.