§ 28. Captain CUNNINGHAM - REIDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the mandates given to Japan over various Pacific Islands, formerly German possessions, were contingent upon Japan remaining a member of the League of Nations, this matter is to be discussed at Geneva; and what the standpoint of the British delegates will be?
§ Sir J. SIMONJapan's notice of withdrawal from the League does not take effect for two years. I have no information of any intention to discuss the question of her mandates at Geneva. I am not at present in a position to define the standpoint which the delegates of His Majesty's Government will adopt if such a discussion eventually takes place. Nor can I express an opinion on the correctness of the statement contained in the question.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISIs not the action of Japan in ignoring the decisions of the League tantamount to a withdrawal and the forfeiting of the rights of membership of the League?
§ Sir J. SIMONMy hon. Friend will appreciate that what has happened is that notice has been given of withdrawal, and, by the terms of the constitution of the League, that notice operates in two years' time. The effect of withdrawal, when it takes place, on the position is an extremely complex question, upon which, I have said, I do not feel that I can express an opinion now.
§ Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONWill Japan go on paying during the two years?
§ Sir J. SIMONI must not venture to prophesy, but every member of the League, as long as the State is a member of the League, is under the obligation to pay the appropriate contributions.