HC Deb 23 June 1936 vol 313 cc1594-5
57. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the advisability of proposing the expulsion, of Italy from the League of Nations at the forthcoming Assembly?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Viscount Cranborne)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Broxstowe (Mr. Cocks) on 13th May.

Mr. MANDER

If the Government are not prepared themselves to propose the expulsion of Italy, are they prepared to support any other member of the League which may make this proposition?

Viscount CRANBORNE

That is not the question the hon. Member asked. I have answered his question.

58. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will propose at the League of Nations meeting that some reparation and apology should be offered to the Emperor of Abyssinia for the failure of the League to carry out its obligations under Article 10 of the Covenant to maintain the territorial integrity and political independence of his country?

Viscount CRANBORNE

No, Sir.

Mr. MANDER

Are we to understand that there is to be no expression of sympathy or regret at the plight of the Abyssinians?

Viscount CRANBORNE

The Government have again and again expressed their regret in the House. There is no reason to apologise. The Government have done their utmost.

Mr. MANDER

Will the noble Lord at least give this assurance that there will be no apology to Italy for having put on sanctions against her?

Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

Would it not be wise to have ready a second apology to Austria for our abandonment of the collective system, which might be signed by the leader of the Council of Action and endorsed by the Front Opposition Bench?