HC Deb 12 May 1936 vol 312 cc179-80
1. Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLEN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has had any consultation with His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions in order to ascertain their views regarding the future of the mandated territories; and, if not, whether he can give an assurance that before His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom make known their attitude on this question to any foreign Power all the Dominions Governments will be fully consulted?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) on 7th May. As regards the second part, he may be sure that the established principles regarding consultation with Dominion Governments on issues of foreign policy will be fully observed.

Mr. SANDYS

Have any Dominion Governments communicated to His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom their attitude as to the future of the mandated territories under their control?

Mr. MacDONALD

I have received no such communication.

3. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to the communication received from the Union Government of South Africa with regard to the question of transferring the mandated territory of South-West Africa to another Power?

Mr. MacDONALD

No communication has been received from His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa on this subject.

Mr. MANDER

Is my right hon. Friend not aware of the pubic statements made by the South African Government showing that their policy is quite different from that of the British Government, and will he not take steps to try to reconcile the different points of view in the Empire on this question?

Mr. ELLIS SMITH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the large amount of foreign propaganda which is taking place here?