§ 18. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the League of Nations is still in fact concerned with the welfare and safety of the civilian population of Addis Ababa?
§ Viscount CranborneThe question whether the League is concerned with this subject is a matter on which only the League can pronounce, but as far as I am aware this question is not one with 1622 which the League has felt itself called upon to deal.
§ Mr. HendersonIs it not the responsibility of the League to concern itself with the inhabitants of a State which belongs to the League, and in view of that fact, can the League possibly ignore the appalling massacres that have taken place in Addis Ababa?
§ Viscount CranborneAs I have already explained, the League has not felt itself called upon to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. HendersonWill the Government reconsider their decision not to raise this matter at the next meeting of the Council, and assure the House that when the Council meets next, the British Government will make themselves responsible for raising it?
§ Viscount CranborneI am afraid I cannot add to what my right hon. Friend said in reply to the hon. Lady the Member for the English Universities (Miss Rathbone) on 10th March.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs it not very desirable that we should take the lead at Geneva in this matter, in view of our position as a Colonial Power in Africa, especially as the Duke of Devonshire, when Colonial Secretary, described our position as that of trusteeship for the coloured populations?
§ Mr. HendersonIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first available opportunity.