§ 37. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with reference to the proposed agreement for a general embargo on the exports of arms to Bolivia and Paraguay; and whether the British Government proposes to act independently of other countries, on the analogy of the traffic in dangerous drugs and slave trading and in accordance with the precedent set by President Roosevelt?
§ Mr. EDENThe Governments of 34 countries have announced that in principle they are prepared to agree to the imposition of this embargo. The Italian Government have, however, made their agreement conditional on agreement by the Japanese Government. The latter have not yet given formal agreement, though they have explained that no exports of arms have in fact been sent from Japan to Bolivia or Paraguay. The formal coming into force of an embargo is accordingly for the moment delayed. As regards the second part of this question, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are continuing to hold up the issuing of licences for the export of arms to the two belligerents, but they are not prepared to give an undertaking that this unilateral action would be pursued indefinitely and in all circumstances.
§ Mr. MANDERCan my right hon. Friend say when the matter will come before the Council of the League for discussion or decision?
§ Mr. EDENI cannot say definitely. We are taking what action we can. We have made representations to both the Italian and the Japanese Governments in respect to their reservations.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONIs it a fact that the Italian Government made it a condition of consent to this embargo that existing contracts should be carried out first?