HC Deb 22 November 1938 vol 341 c1511
23. Mr. Chorlton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to terminate the Congo Basin Treaty, in view of its disastrous effect on the textile trade?

Mr. Stanley

I would refer to the answer which I gave to my hon. and learned Friend, the Member for Withington (Mr. Fleming) on 31st May last, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Burke

Does that mean that nothing can be done, and that the Treaty must go on for ever until one of the signatories find that it is disadvantageous to them, as it is to us?

Mr. Stanley

It has been explained on many occasions that the opinion of the Law Officers is that this Treaty can only be changed by general agreement among the parties to it.