HC Deb 16 March 1933 vol 275 c2134
77. Mr. HAMMERSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is in negotiation with any of the Dominions with regard to their withdrawal from the Anglo-Japanese trading agreement without prejudice to the validity of the agreement as between this country and Japan?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

No, Sir.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the acute anxiety that exists in many of the Dominions in respect to this abnormal Japanese competition, and will he undertake, in the event of their requesting him to take the action indicated in the question, not to raise any overriding objection?

Mr. THOMAS

The only Dominions affected are Canada, with very strong reservations, the Irish Free State, and Newfoundland. If I get any communications from them, I will very seriously consider them.