HC Deb 25 July 1934 vol 292 cc1758-9
1. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to state whether Italy has receded from her attitude of seeking to maintain existing contracts which has so far prevented agreement internationally for the imposition of an embargo on the export of arms to Bolivia and Paraguay?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)

As stated in the reply which I gave to (he hon. Member for East Fulham (Mr. Wilmot) on Monday last, the Italian Government have now informed the President of the Committee of the Council of the League of Nations that they will enact the necessary measures to prevent the export of war material destined for Bolivia and Paraguay from Italian territory. I understand that these measures will not contain reservations in regard to current contracts.

Mr. MANDER

Can my right hon. Friend say when the general agreement is likely to be brought into operation?

Sir J. SIMON

I hope very shortly. Communications with the Secretary-General of the League have already taken place.

Mr. MANDER

Will not the Government take encouragement from the really splendid success of their initiative in this matter and apply the same thing to air disarmament?