§ 35. Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Polish Lithuanian frontier is at present closed; and whether the Government is prepared to make such representations as may bring this matter before the League of Nations under the provisions of the Covenant of the League dealing with disputes between nations?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)Yes, Sir; the matter has occupied the attention of the League on several occasions; but I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by raising it afresh at Geneva at the present moment. Certain British interests, however, having recently represented to His Majesty's Government that their business was hindered by the interruption of river traffic between Poland and Lithuania, His Majesty's Ambassador at Warsaw and His Majesty's Minister at Riga were instructed to inquire of the Polish and Lithuanian Governments respectively whether they would be willing to agree to the resumption of this traffic on certain terms. The Lithuanian Government are understood to be favourable in principle; and I am at present awaiting a report from Warsaw.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDArising out of the first part of the answer, does not the Minister agree that the closing of frontiers indicates a dispute between nations; and, arising out of the second part, is the House to understand that Articles 12 to 17 of the Covenant of the League are now a dead letter?
§ Mr. EDENI could not agree to the second part of my hon. and gallant 1424 Friend's supplementary question. As to the first part, I do not think I could reply as to the effect of the closing of frontiers on international relations in answer to a question put without notice.