HC Deb 06 April 1939 vol 345 c2989
73. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of incorporating in due course, into the machinery of the League of Nations, any arrangements arrived at between this and other countries in resistance to aggression?

Mr. Butler

I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's reply to the hon. Member for Leyton, West (Mr. Sorensen) yesterday, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Mander

Do I understand that the Government are determined to keep away from the League of Nations and to have nothing whatever to do with it?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir, the hon. Member should understand nothing of the sort.

Sir Percy Harris

Under the constitution of the League must not all treaties be registered with the League?

Mr. Butler

I must refer the hon. Baronet to the answer which the Prime Minister gave yesterday, which stated that our obligations under the Covenant will be borne fully in mind.

Mr. Mander

Does not that really point to my question, whether any arrangements that we are now making will later on be incorporated in the machinery of the League of Nations?

Mr. Butler

I am afraid I cannot go any further than the answer given yesterday.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Can the hon. Member say what "incorporating, in due course, into the machinery of the League of Nations" really means?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the Government follow the principles laid down by him and other British spokesmen at the Assembly of the League last September?

Mr. Butler

I think I have said quite sufficient on that point.