§ 33. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the view of his advisers, the ratification of the Optional Clause of the Permanent Court of International Justice by Germany, approved by Herr Hitler in March, 1933, is still binding?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Viscount Cranborne)The acceptance by the German Government of the Optional Clause was renewed for a period of five years by a declaration dated 9th February, 1933, which was ratified on 5th July, 1933. My right hon. Friend sees no reason for supposing that this renewal of the German acceptance of the Optional Clause is not still binding.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes not that mean that the case with regard to the occupation of the Rhineland can be taken compulsorily to the Court whether Germany agrees or not?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEI should like to have notice of that question.