§ 5. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether he will inquire from the League of Nations what replies have been received from Governments in respect of the declaration by the British and other Governments in September, denouncing their obligations under the Optional Clause of Article 36 of the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice, in respect of claims arising out of the war, and in particular whether he will state the terms of the communication received on 25th September from the Swiss Government on this subject?
§ Mr. ButlerThe only Government which has, so far, replied to the declaration by His Majesty's Government in regard to 190 their position under the Optional Clause of the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice, is the Swiss Government. I am circulating this reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
(Translation.)By communications dated September 13th, 19th and 20th, the Secretariat of the League of Nations has informed us that the Australian, United Kingdom, French, New Zealand and South African Governments have unilaterally denounced their obligations under the Optional Clause of Article 36 of the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice.We have the honour to inform you that, while taking note of these notifications, the Swiss Federal Council has reservations to make regarding the principle which a denunciation effected in such circumstances involves.