§ 60. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any consultations have taken place with the Dominions, and whether he is able to state their views, on the subject of a possible surrender, under any circumstances, of the territories now held by them under mandate from the League of Nations; and whether the policy of the Dominions in this matter is in all respects the same as that of the British Government?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Marquess of Hartington)The question to which the hon. Member refers is one for the consideration of His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions concerned. As was made clear by the Prime Minister in reply to the hon. Member on 23rd April, no question of consultation between His Majesty's Governments on this matter has arisen. The hon. Member will appreciate, therefore, that I am not in a position to answer the last part of his question, but I have no reason to suppose that any difference would arise.
§ Mr. MANDERDo I understand from that reply that, in the view of all the Dominions, this is for the future an open question?
Marquess of HARTINGTONNo, Sir, no consultation has taken place, and I do not know what the view of the Dominions is.
§ Mr. MANDERWould it not be desirable to find out, so that there might be a united Empire policy?
§ Mr. MANDERAs a matter of fact, is it not perfectly well known that none of the Dominions would in any circumstances surrender its mandate?