§ 6. Mr. OSWALD LEWISasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will invite all other members of the Council of the League of Nations to issue a joint declaration that, in the event of any country which is a member of the Council invading the territory of some other country, the other members of the Council will all immediately take steps jointly to carry out their obligations under the covenant of the League?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe question of he action to be taken by the members of the League in any such event as that postulated would be a matter to be determined in the light of the circumstances of the particular case and of such provisions of the Covenant as are applicable, and I do not consider that any declaration in general and unspecified terms such as my hon. Friend suggests would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. LEWISAs there is some uncertainty as to whether some of the Powers are willing to carry out their obligations under the Covenant, would it not be as well to find out what the position is before a serious outbreak occurs in Abyssinia rather than afterwards?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have given a considered answer to the question, and I have nothing to add to it.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWould it not be well to find out whether the United States, who started the League of Nations, will come in and take a hand?
§ Mr. MANDERIs there any doubt that the British Government fully intend to carry out all their obligations under the Covenant?