§ 5. Mr. Burkeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the Committee on Raw Materials set up by the League of Nations Council; and, in particular, what are its terms of reference?
§ Mr. EdenOn 26th January the Council approved a report by the representative of Poland regarding the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry into the question of raw materials. I am arranging for copies of this report, together with the provisional minutes of the discussion of the Council, to be made available for hon. Members in the Library of the House. The committee's terms of reference were defined in the Assembly resolution of last October, paragraph 1 of which reads as follows:—
Considering that the time has now arrived when discussion of and inquiry into the question of equal commercial access for all nations to certain raw materials might usefully be undertaken with the collaboration of the principal States, whether members or non-members of the League, having a special interest in the matter.The nature of the raw materials to be considered will be at the discretion of the committee.
§ Mr. BurkeCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that there will be no question of the transference of territory in this matter?
§ Mr. ManderCan the right hon. Gentleman say what countries have accepted the invitation, and whether Germany is prepared to serve on it?
§ Mr. EdenPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question down. I have some information, but I would like to make sure that what I say is correct.