HC Deb 18 March 1942 vol 378 cc1481-2
2. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date he was advised that the Senate of the United States of America had ratified the Anglo-American Agreement of 23rd February, 1942?

Mr. Eden

My hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. The position is as stated in the Reply to the Question which he put to me on 4th March.

Sir H. Williams

Can the Government of the United States make a valid treaty until it has been ratified by the Senate?

Mr. Eden

This agreement has been come to between the United States Government and ourselves. As stated in the Agreement, it comes into force on signature. In this matter I have to deal with the United States Government.

Sir H. Williams

Is it not the case that the Government of the United States has no treaty-making power and that the obligation is not binding between citizens of the United States, but between the Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom?

Mr. Eden

I am not prepared to debate the constitution of the United States.