HC Deb 03 March 1930 vol 236 cc62-3W
Sir W. EDGE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what nations have accepted the protocol prohibiting chemical and bacteriological methods of warfare; what nations have expressed their intention of accepting this protocol; and what nations are still carrying on research work in this connection or are known to be equipping their forces with means for using such methods of warfare as an offensive weapon?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The following countries have ratified or definitely acceded to the Convention:

Australia. Germany.
Austria. India.
Belgium. Italy.
Canada. Liberia.
China. New Zealand.
Egypt. Persia.
Finland. Poland.
France. Rumania.

South Africa. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Spain.
Turkey.
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Venezuela.
Yugoslavia.

The following States have signed the Convention but have not yet ratified:

Abyssinia. Netherlands.
Brazil. Nicaragua.
Bulgaria. Norway.
Chile. Portugal.
Czechoslovakia. Salvador.
Denmark. Siam.
Estonia. Sweden.
Greece. Switzerland.
Japan. United States of America.
Latvia.
Lithuania. Uruguay.
Luxemburg.

I understand that Denmark, the Netherlands and Portugal intend to ratify the Convention shortly. With regard to the last part of the question, while it is impossible to state precisely the activities of foreign nations in this connection, many nations are, I understand, continuing research work.