HC Deb 28 February 1935 vol 298 cc1320-1W
Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken with reference to the recommendation of the Chaco Advisory Committee of the League of Nations that the embargo, in so far as it is still enforced, should supplement the measures already adopted by the prohibition of the re-export or through transit of war material, and should not authorise the export of war material except to governments or properly accredited agents of governments?

Mr. EDEN

The reply which should be returned to the further recommendations of the League Advisory Committee referred to by the hon. Member is still under consideration by His Majesty's Government. I might explain, however, that a prohibition of the re-export of arms is already included in the embargo which is being enforced by His Majesty's Government, and further that it is their normal practice only to issue licences for the export of war material to governments or to the accredited agents thereof.

Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to maintain, at the Traffic in Arms Commission at Geneva, the British opposition to the American plan for international inspection of armament factories and the setting up of a permanent disarmament commission, in view of the serious effect this may have on the possibilities of agreement?

Mr. EDEN

As regards a system of supervision in connection with the proposed agreement for the regulation of the manufacture of and trade in arms, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 20th February, to which I have nothing to add. As regards the constitution of a permanent disarmament commission, His Majesty's Government are not opposed to the United States proposals for this purpose. On the contrary, they have welcomed them and have accepted them as a basis of discussion.