HC Deb 13 March 1934 vol 287 c194
53. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the advisory committee of the Assembly of the League of Nations is to meet on 14th May to consider the British Government's communication concerning postal relations with Manchukuo; whether he will give assurances that the British Government will continue fully to respect the policy of non-recognition; whether he will press for the Chinese Government being given an opportunity to express its views and make proposals on this question to the committee; and whether he will invite the Government of the Soviet Union to reconsider its refusal of the invitation to sit on the committee?

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. Eden)

Yes, Sir: a meeting of the advisory committee has been summoned for the 14th May to consider this matter. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given on the 6th March to a question put by my hon. Friend, the Member for Islington, West (Mr. Donner). As regards the third part of the question, any communication or proposal which the Chinese Government may wish to make regarding this matter will doubtless receive full consideration from the committee. Any invitation to the Soviet Government would have to be issued by the League of Nations and not by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the League of Nations is likely to consider the recognition of an existing fact?