HC Deb 09 December 1931 vol 260 cc1841-2
3. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what countries are at the present time represented by observers on behalf of the League of Nations in Manchuria; and whether regular reports are received from them and the information placed at the disposal of the League of Nations Council?

Sir J. SIMON

According to my information there are at present British, French, German, Italian and United States observers in Manchuria. They are there on behalf of their respective Governments to whom they report with a view to keeping the Council of the League informed.

4. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in connection with the deliberations of the Council of the League of Nations on the Manchuria question, consideration has been given to the resolutions concerning the application of sanctions under Article 16 of the Covenant adopted by the Assembly on 4th October, 1931, including in particular the interruption of diplomatic relations and the application of economic and financial pressure?

Sir J. SIMON

My hon. Friend is no doubt referring to the resolutions adopted by the Assembly on the 4th of October, 1921, but, as I explained to my hon. Friend, the Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. D. M. Mason), on the 30th of November, the dispute is being dealt with under Article 11 of the Covenant, and no question of sanctions has arisen.

Mr. MANDER

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure me that that point will not be overlooked if it becomes necessary?

Sir J. SIMON

The hon. Gentleman can be satisfied that no point will be overlooked.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken steps to issue the White Paper which he was kind enough to promise me on the general work of the League of Nations?

Sir J. SIMON

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that that is not being overlooked, but it has nothing to do with this question.

5. Dr. SALTER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information regarding the proposed neutral commission of inquiry in Manchuria and, in particular, what powers and facilities will be given it in the prosecution of its work; whether it will observe the position of military forces in situ; and whether its inquiry will be confined to Manchuria?

Sir J. SIMON

The whole matter is still under actual discussion by the Council of the League and I have no information to give at present, except that the intention is that the inquiry will be confined to Manchuria.

6. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position of the negotiations in the Council of the League of Nations with regard to the establishment of a neutral zone in Manchuria?

Sir J. SIMON

So far as I am aware, discussions are still in progress in regard to this matter, and I am afraid that I am not in a position to say anything which would not risk prejudicing their outcome.

Mr. COCKS

Is it not a fact that the negotiations have broken down?

Sir J. SIMON

I cannot add anything to what I have said.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect that the League of Nations will be able to handle the situation that may arise in Manchuria?

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