HC Deb 27 May 1943 vol 389 cc1737-8
60. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give an assurance that all British territory held under mandate from the League of Nations continues to be administered in accordance with the terms of the mandate?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)

In so far as the Question refers to Mandated Territories for which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom is responsible, the reply is in the affirmative.

Mr. Mander

Can the Minister say whether that includes recruiting of native labour for military purposes?

Colonel Stanley

I could not say what is included in each territory, but in so far as it is included in the mandate it is being observed.

Mr. Hopkinson

In view of the fact that we are the only member of the League of Nations which pays a subscription, are we not entitled to exercise the mandate system?

Colonel Stanley

The fact is that the mandate system forbids us to do a certain number of things that I do not think any of us would ever dream of doing.

Mr. Sorensen

Are reports of the mandatory Powers to the League of Nations still periodically made?

Colonel Stanley

No, Sir, in view of the man-power difficulty and the immense amount of labour involved, it was decided some time ago, early in the war, that they would have to be dropped during the war.