§ 17. Mr. G. Straussasked the Prime Minister whether the obligations of Great Britain to defend against aggression all British colonial possessions, mandates, and protectorates, also France, Egypt, Iraq, Portugal, and the Portuguese 743 colonial empire, are binding on this country, irrespective of the possible number of our enemies or allies?
§ Mr. ButlerThe existing obligations of this country have frequently been described in the House, and in particular by the Prime Minister as recently as 24th March. I do not think that I can usefully add anything to those statements.
§ Mr. StraussDoes the Minister think that the people of this country would be prepared to fight single-handed for Iraq, Egypt and the Portuguese Empire at the request of a Government that has destroyed collective security?