§ 14. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the resignation of the Japanese Government from the League of Nations, he can explain why that Government is still exercising a mandatory authority, on behalf of the League of Nations, over the Caroline and Marshall Islands; and whether His Majesty's Government will take appropriate steps at Geneva to end this anomalous situation?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)On 22nd January, 1937, the Council of the League of Nations adopted a report in which the opinion was expressed that Japan, whose status as a member of the League of Nations ended on 27th March, 1935, considered rightly that she was still bound by the obligations of the mandate which she exercises on behalf of the League, in conformity with the principles laid down in Article 22 of the Covenant. His Majesty's Government do not propose to re-open the question.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the exercise of the mandate by a nation no longer associated with the mandatory authority not lead to an unsatisfactory position? Will not the Government take some action to put the matter right?
§ Mr. ButlerI have referred the hon. Member to the report adopted by the League, which acknowledges this position, and I have said that His Majesty's Government do not propose to re-open the subject.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we to understand that the principle adopted is that a non-mandatory nation should exercise a mandate under the League? Is that acceptable to the Government?
§ Mr. ShinwellMay I ask to whom the Japanese nation make their report in respect of their mandate? Do they make their report to the League?
§ Mr. ButlerI shall require notice of that question.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIs the Under-Secretary satisfied that the mandatory nation are carrying out the terms of the mandate?
§ Mr. ButlerI shall also require notice of that question.