HC Deb 20 December 1937 vol 330 c1580
11. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the official statement recently published in Warsaw that the Polish Government might have to withdraw from the League of Nations if the League became engaged in a struggle of ideological doctrines; and whether His Majesty's Government will take action, in conjunction with other members of the League, to dispel this fear?

Mr. Eden

I am aware of the statement referred to, though the question does not, I think, quite correctly reproduce it. As regards the second part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member of the statement issued on nth November, 1936, by M. Beck and myself at the conclusion of M. Beck's visit to London, in which we recorded our opinion that nothing would be more fatal to the hopes of European appeasement than the division, apparent or real, of Europe into opposing blocs. The Polish Government are, therefore, well aware of the attitude of His Majesty's Government with regard to this point, which remains unchanged.

Mr. Henderson

Is it not the fact that the only ideological doctrine with which the League of Nations itself is concerned is their maintenance of world peace?

Mr. Eden

That is certainly my view.

Mr. Petherick

Is it not the case that, if the advice of the Opposition is followed, this country will be engaged in an ideological struggle against peace?