HC Deb 30 April 1934 vol 289 c18
18. Mr. McENTEE (for Mr. COCKS)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Mexico and Turkey joined the League of Nations on the invitation of the assembly, and that the invitations were preceded by conversations between certain Governments and the two States in question in order to make certain that the invitations would be accepted; and whether His Majesty's Government took part in or signified approval of such conversations?

Sir J. SIMON

I am aware that Mexico and Turkey joined the League of Nations on the invitation of the Assembly. As regards the conversations which led up to the issue of these invitations, I can only speak, of course, for His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. Conversations took place, largely through the medium of the League Secretariat in 1931 and 1932 as regards the entry into the League of these two countries, in which it was made clear that they desired to join the League, and that His Majesty's Government for their part would welcome their adhesion. The initiative in starting these conversations was not however taken by His Majesty's Government, but, as I understand and as was proper, by the intending members.

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