HC Deb 09 July 1934 vol 292 cc5-6
5. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, in view of his criticism of the Liberian Government as a corrupt and inefficient oligarchy, he will bring before the League of Nations the undesirability of a Govern- merit of this character having an equal voice with this country in League affairs?

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. Eden)

In a speech before the Council of the League of Nations on the 18th May last, I have already made' it clear that His Majesty's Government consider that Liberia has so grossly failed to observe her obligation, as a member of the League, to secure just treatment of the native peoples under her control, that the League would be entitled to consider her expulsion under paragraph 4 of Article 16 of the Covenant. The full text -of this speech is published on pages 42 to 48 of Cmd. Paper No. 4614 on affairs in Liberia, which was issued on the 28th June.

Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember his strong attitude towards little Liberia if and when Russia asks permission to join the League?

Mr. EDEN

I do not understand the comparison.

Sir A. KNOX

It is very clear.