HC Deb 02 July 1934 vol 291 cc1546-7
9 and 10. Sir WALDRON SMITHERS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether, in view of the fact that, on the admission of its own rulers, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is the base of the world revolution, and through its agents throughout the world loses no opportunity of fomenting civil war in other countries, His Majesty's Government will oppose the entry of the Soviet Government into the League of Nations;

(2) whether, in view of the terms of the preamble and of Article 23 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, and of the statement at the seventeenth congress of the Communist party in January last of M. Stalin that he will lead to victory the revolutionary forces throughout the world, His Majesty's Government will oppose the entry of the Soviet Government into the League of Nations?

Sir J. SIMON

As far as I am aware, the Soviet Government have not applied for membership of the League of Nations, so that my hon. Friend's questions do not arise.

Sir W. SMITHERS

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the entry of the Soviet into the League of Nations will only widen their opportunities for revolutionary propaganda?

Mr. COCKS

What connection has Article 23 of the Covenant of the League of Nations with the subject? Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Sir W. Smithers) to read the Covenant of the League of Nations before putting these imbecile questions?

Mr. SPEAKER

Whatever the hon. Gentleman's views on questions may be, he must not express them.