HC Deb 19 December 1935 vol 307 cc1973-4W
Mr. O. LEWIS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the French Government have subsequently qualified in any way the undertaking given some months ago that they will come to our assistance in the event of an unprovoked attack by Italian forces upon our Fleet?

Viscount CRANBORNE

No, Sir.

Duchess of ATHOLL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many nations are taking part in the imposition of sanctions on Italy; how many of these have navies, armies, or air forces large enough to give assistance in the event of hostilities in Europe; and how many of those nations imposing sanctions have armies which are free to serve away from their own countries?

Viscount CRANBORNE

Fifty-two nations are applying, or have undertaken to apply, the measures in question. Of these nations, however, a very small minority have not yet enacted the necessary legislation or are only applying certain, but not all, of the proposals of the Co-ordination Committee. In reply to the second part of the question, I assume that all members of the League, large or small, would fulfil their obligation under the Covenant to afford assistance in the contingency contemplated. I cannot answer the third part of the question without exhaustive inquiries, for which time would be required.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to Italian propaganda sent to Members of this House signed by Lieut.-Colonel Rocke, and dated from the Guards Club; and will he state whether Rocke does in fact hold His Majesty's Commission or is in receipt of any pay or pension?

Mr. COOPER

Yes, Sir. Lieut.-Colonel Rocke is a retired officer and was awarded a pension by the Ministry of Pensions in 1920, of which more than half has been commuted.

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