HC Deb 26 February 1934 vol 286 cc741-2
16. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the respective positions taken up by States members of the League of Nations with regard to a general embargo on the export of arms to Bolivia and Paraguay; and when the matter was last considered?

Sir J. SIMON

In reply to the first part of the question, the position is as stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Morgan Jones) on the 18th November last. As regards the second part, further consideration of the question was suspended by the League as a result of the despatch of a League Commission in October last to investigate the dispute on the spot. It was hoped that the ensuing negotiations would lead to a cessation of hostilities which would render the imposition of an arms embargo unnecessary. The Commission is still continuing its labours in South America.

Mr. MANDER

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the various States concerned have stated publicly the views they respectively take with regard to an arms embargo?

Sir J. SIMON

I do not think I can answer so comprehensive an inquiry without notice.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Would America honour such an arms embargo?

Sir J. SIMON

If my hon. Friend will look at the answer to which I have referred, he will see that it refers to the position of the United States.

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