HC Deb 04 June 1934 vol 290 cc552-3
9. Mr. COCKS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that President Roosevelt has issued a proclamation making unlawful the sale anywhere in the United States of arms and munitions to Bolivia and Paraguay; and whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to take similar action as far as this country is concerned?

47. Mr. VYVYAN ADAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action is now proposed with regard to the continued granting of licences for the export of arms and munitions to the disputants in the Gran Chaco dispute?

Sir J. SIMON

The President of the United States issued on the 28th May a proclamation making unlawful the sale within the United States of arms and munitions to Bolivia and Paraguay. His Majesty's Government are pressing at Geneva that the embargo which they have suggested should be imposed at once unconditionally by all countries which have undertaken to co-operate. In the meantime, licences here are being held up.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to persuade the American Government to discourage the sale of arms to their bandits?

Mr. PIKE

Does the United States proclamation prohibit the sale to a third party outside America who re-sells to Bolivia and Paraguay?

Sir J. SIMON

As far as I know, it does not, but that is a difficulty which must, I think, arise in any embargo which is not world-wide.