§ 44. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether similar or any provisional military arrangements or exchanges of information, such as have occurred between this country and France, have taken place also between Great Britain and other countries where direct treaty obligations exist such as Portugal, Iraq, Egypt, and Belgium, or countries to which we have mutual obligations under the Covenant of the League of Nations, or whether any are contemplated?
§ The Prime MinisterExchanges of military information with foreign countries normally take place through the medium of Service Attaches. No provisional military arrangements of the nature suggested have taken place with Portugal, but a British Military Mission is at present in Portugal for the purpose of discussing matters of general interest to both countries. British forces are stationed in Egypt and in Iraq under the terms of the treaties of alliance between the United Kingdom and these two countries, and there is naturally in each case very close co-operation between the British and Allied forces. There are, furthermore, British Military Missions at present in both countries. As regards Belgium, my statement on 30th March 188 in reply to the hon. Member's question regarding France, would apply equally to that country. No provisional military arrangements or exchanges of information have taken place or are contemplated with other members of the League of Nations.
§ Mr. ManderDo I understand that the Government are planning to go to war if necessary in defence of Portugal and its colonies?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot keep pace with the hon. Gentleman's understanding.