§ 51. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether Article 22 of the Naval Treaty relating to the new rules for the sinking of merchant vessels on the high seas in time of war is to be brought before the League of Nations for approval by other States' members, or otherwise?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Article XXV of the London Naval Treaty, which provides that, after the deposit of the ratifications of all the High Contracting Parties, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will communicate the provisions inserted in Part IV of the Treaty to all non-signatory Powers inviting them to accede thereto definitely and without limit of time.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDo I understand we are to do that directly, or will it be done through the machinery of the League for those States which are States members?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt has been specifically laid down after very careful consideration before drafting that this is the better way to handle it.
§ Commander SOUTHBYIs it not a fact that submarines have always been under exactly the same obligations as regards visit and seared as all surface vessels?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is another question, and relates to the substance of the Agreement.
§ 52. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, during the negotiations which preceded the International Treaty for the Limitation and Reduction of Naval Armaments, consideration was given to the proposals before the Preparatory Commission on Disarmament for the purpose of completing a draft convention for the World Conference and their bearing on the ratios of naval strength and tonnage of warships eventually agreed upon in the treaty?
Mr. A. HENDERSONThe work of the Preparatory Commission in preparing for a General Disarmament Conference has been kept constantly in mind throughout the naval negotiations, and His Majesty's Government adhere to the hope expressed in their invitations to the London Naval Conference that its results will facilitate the task of the Commission.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes my right hon. Friend not see that the results, if all that we hope for is achieved, may mean a further obligation?
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Thurtle!
§ Mr. SMITHERSMay I ask question No. 53?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question has been answered.
§ Mr. SMITHERSOn a point of Order. Is it possible that some mistake has arisen? I watched the questions very carefully, and I did not hear question No. 53 answered.
§ Mr. MILLSArising out of this particular question, is it not the analogy of the elephant and the flea?