HC Deb 21 September 1931 vol 256 cc1256-7
12. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had further communications with the French Government regarding the Dead Sea concessions granted to Mr. Moses Novamesky; and whether the case is being brought before the Hague Tribunal?

Captain EDEN

Yes, Sir. A note was addressed to the French Ambassador on the 10th of July to the effect that, as the French Government had not accepted the offer of arbitration which His Majesty's Government in the 'United Kingdom had made to them in July, 1930, that offer must he regarded as having lapsed. The answer to the second part of the question is, therefore, in the negative.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Does my hon. and gallant Friend mean that the French are not going to appeal at all to The Hague Tribunal?

Captain EDEN

The British Government made an offer to the French Government to go to arbitration, if the French Government would also arbitrate on certain other matters—claims which we had against, them. They have not acceded to our offer and therefore the offer has been withdrawn.