§ Squadron-Leader Donnerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions have responded to the proposed establishment of regional commissions as suggested by him on 13th July; whether he is in consultation with these Governments either directly or indirectly through the Dominions Office; whether His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom has been approached by, or proposes to approach, those foreign Powers with colonial territories and/or those States which possess a major strategic or economic interest in the regions concerned; and will he make a statement?
§ Colonel StanleyThe statement which I made on 13th July was designed to give the House at the earliest possible stage a general indication of the views of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom as to the lines on which inter-imperial and international co-operation could most suitably develop in relation to Colonial territories. As in all questions affecting Imperial policy, the Dominion Governments were kept fully informed while the question was being considered. As regards the last part of the Question, none of the foreign Powers concerned has yet expressed any views officially.