HC Deb 31 October 1929 vol 231 cc336-7W
Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the reservations made by His Majesty's Government to the adoption of the optional clause are intended by them to have the effect of withdrawing from the jurisdiction, whether original or appellate, of the International Court all questions of prize law, including contraband and blockade, or whether it is intended that such questions may be brought by a neutral or an enemy before the International Court in lieu of, or on appeal from, a British prize court?

Mr. DALTON

It would be difficult to explain fully the effect of all reserva- tions within the limits of an oral answer, but a debate on the whole subject will arise in due course when the Government invites the House to approve the signature of the Optional Clause.

Mrs. HAMILTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many states, members of the League, have now signed or declared their intention of signing the optional clause?

Mr. DALTON

According to the latest information available the following members of the League, numbering 41, have signed:

Abyssinia. Hungary.
Union of South Africa. India.
Irish Free State.
Australia. Italy.
Austria. Latvia.
Belgium. Liberia.
United Kingdom. Lithuania.
Bulgaria. Luxemburg.
Canada. The Netherlands.
China. New Zealand.
Costa Rica. Nicaragua.
Czechoslovakia. Norway.
Denmark. Panama.
Dominican Republic. Peru.
Portugal.
Estonia. Salvador.
Finland. Siam.
France. Spain.
Germany. Sweden.
Greece. Switzerland.
Guatemala. Uruguay.
Haiti.

Brazil, which is not a member of the League, has also signed.

No other States, so far as I am aware, have declared their intention of signing.

Forward to