§ 84. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the recent declaration by His Majesty's Government that they could no longer be bound by the provisions of the General Treaty of Arbitration in time of war?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the letter addressed by His Majesty's Government to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations on 13th February, which was presented to Parliament as White Paper, Command 5947. This contains an account of the reasons for which His Majesty's Government notified that they would continue to participate, after 16th August, 1939, in the General Act for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, subject to the reservation that as from that date their participation should not, in the unfortunate event of hostilities, cover disputes arising out of events occurring during the war.
§ Mr. HendersonWould the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that in spite of this declaration the position of His Majesty's Government still is to settle all disputes which may arise in time of war by arbitration or by conciliation?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government stand by the White Paper.
§ Mr. ManderAs some of the Dominions have not adopted the same policy as His Majesty's Government, is it proposed to enter into consultation with them with a view to a joint Imperial policy?
§ Mr. ButlerWe propose to maintain touch with the Dominions on this matter.