HC Deb 24 February 1936 vol 309 cc10-1
16. Mr. GARRO-JONES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether in view of the fact that the terms of the secret Rome accord between France and Italy have been known to the Government since January, 1935, he will make them known to the House?

Mr. EDEN

It would not be proper for me to publish the information in my possession in regard to the terms of an agreement between foreign powers which they have not seen fit to publish themselves.

Mr. GARRO-JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman making any representations to the French Government that the terms of this accord conflict with their engagements with the League of Nations?

Mr. EDEN

I did not say that I had the terms of the accord, but that I had information in my possession with regard to them.

Mr. GARRO-JONES

Does not that information show that the French Government were acting contrary to their obligations to the League of Nations, and, if so, did the Government make any representations to that effect?

Mr. EDEN

I must decline to answer for any other Government but my own.

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

May I ask whether any engagement between two Powers who are members of the League is binding unless it is published?

Mr. BELLENGER

Should not this engagement be registered with the League of Nations?

Mr. EDEN

That question should be addressed to the French Government.