HC Deb 18 February 1932 vol 261 cc1828-9
96. Dr. SALTER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will arrange for the publication, as a White Paper, of the report to the secretary-general of the League of Nations of the Shanghai consular committee of inquiry?

Mr. EDEN

As the right hon. Gentleman, the Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) was informed on the 15th of February, my right hon. Friend cannot undertake to make public on his own motion a document submitted to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations. The two reports rendered to the League Council by the local commission which it constituted at Shanghai have been summarised in the Press of the 9th and 15th of February respectively.

Dr. SALTER

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the document in question has actually been published in Geneva and circulated to all the other Governments concerned?

Mr. EDEN

Geneva is the place where it should first be published.

Mr. LANSBURY

If it has been printed there, is there any reason why this House should not possess an official copy?

Mr. EDEN

My right hon. Friend hopes that a copy will be made available for publication by all the Governments as soon as possible.