§ 26. Mr. Hugh Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date the last Report on the Mandated Territories was made to the League of Nations.
§ Colonel StanleyThe last reports on the administration of the Mandated Territories for which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are responsible, were submitted to the League of Nations during 1939 in respect of the year 1938.
§ Mr. LawsonCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman prepare reports for the years since 1939 so that they can be submitted to a properly constituted international authority after the war?
§ Colonel StanleyNo, Sir. I have explained before in this House that there have been far too many urgent jobs to permit of this being done.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman suggesting that this is not an urgent job?
§ Colonel StanleyI do not think that the making of a report, however interesting it is and however much we want to have a record after the war, is nearly as important as the preparation of plans for the future, or the carrying on of the war effort.
§ 27. Mr. Hugh Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give an assurance that no change will be made in the status of the Mandated Territories without the approval of a properly constituted international authority.
§ Colonel StanleyAny proposal to alter the status of Mandated Territories would, clearly, be a matter for international discussion at the appropriate time in relation to the general peace settlement. It directly affects a number of Governments, Dominion and foreign, as well as His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, and I am not at present able to make any statement on the matter.
§ Mr. TurtonCan my right hon. and gallant Friend give an assurance that there will be no delay in seeking the common wealth of the Mandated Territories?
§ Colonel StanleyI hope so.