HC Deb 06 July 1931 vol 254 cc1704-5
25. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent Great Britain is committed to intervention in the case of a state of war arising at any time between the Russian Soviet Republic and any of the adjoining States?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

As the hon. Member will be aware, all States members of the League of Nations have entered into certain international obligations. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom would be bound by these obligations, but by no others, in the hypothetical circumstances suggested in the question. I would remind the hon. Member that not only the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, but ail the adjoining States, have signed the Briand-Kellogg Pact renouncing the use of war as an instrument of national policy.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be desirable, in view of the complicated terms of these treaties, to issue a White Paper of some kind showing clearly what the commitments of this country are, so that the House of Commons and the country may know what preparations it may be necessary for us to make?

Mr. HENDERSON

I do not see that that in any way arises out of the question on the Paper.

Mr. BROCKWAY

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to indicate that the obligations under the League of Nations mean intervention in the form of war?

Mr. HENDERSON

The hon. Member must know what the different clauses of the Covenant mean.