§ 16. Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps His Majesty's Government have taken to secure a general embargo on the supply of arms and munitions to Bolivia and Paraguay, in view of the consideration last March by the Council of the League of Nations of means for prohibiting the export of arms and munitions to Bolivia and Paraguay, members of the League engaged in a dispute which the League was trying to settle; and how much arms and munitions have been supplied to either or both of these countries from Great Britain since last February?
§ Sir J. SIMONI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I returned to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on the 26th April. It has proved impossible to secure unconditional acceptance of the form of the declaration therein referred to by all Governments members of the League Council, as seven of them have made their acceptance conditional upon its acceptance by certain other specified countries, such as the United States. The Government of the United States of America, however, is unable to impose an embargo until the necessary legislation has been passed by Congress. In the meantime a League Commission is endeavouring to bring about a cessation of hostilities which would render the imposition of an embargo unnecessary. A statement giving a reply to the last part of the hon. Member's question is being prepared, and will be sent to him so soon RS it is completed.
§ Sir J. SIMONI have not yet been able to see the statement. If it is suitable for the purpose, no doubt my hon. Friend will put down a question, and I will see that it is done.
Captain CROOKSHANKCan my right hon. Friend say if there is any likelihood of Congress being invited to pass such legislation?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo, Sir. It is quite a sufficient responsibility to represent this country; I cannot undertake to represent America.