HC Deb 04 June 1934 vol 290 cc575-6
3. Mr. LUNN (for Mr. RHYS DAVIES)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the attitude of the other Powers who were signatories to the Nine-Power Treaty towards the recent coup-de-main by Japan in Manchuria; and what steps the British Government intends to take to ensure that the Nine-Power Treaty is loyally observed by all parties?

Sir J. SIMON

The attitude towards this question of the signatories of the Nine-Power Treaty who are also members of the League has been made clear in the report adopted by the Assembly of the League on the 24th February, 1933. The remaining signatory—the United States—has expressed agreement with the terms of the report. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government are observing the terms of the report and have no reason to believe that the other signatories of the Nine-Power Treaty who have adopted the report are not doing likewise.

Sir STAFFORD GRIPPS

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that Japan is observing the Treaty?

Sir J. SIMON

If the hon. and learned Member will examine the terms of my answer, I think he will see that it is entirely consistent and does not involve the proposition which he has put.

Sir S. CRIPPS

I am asking my right hon. Friend whether he is of the opinion that Japan, one of the parties to the Treaty, is loyally observing the Nine-Power Treaty?

Sir J. SIMON

That question does not arise out of the question or the answer.

Sir S. CRIPPS

The question is, what steps the British Government intend to take to ensure that the Nine-Power Treaty is loyally observed by all parties. One of the parties is Japan, and I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is of opinion that Japan is loyally observing the Nine-Power Treaty?

Sir J. SIMON

With all due respect to my hon. and learned Friend, I do not think that is a matter with rises out of the question.