BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1929, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

QUESTIONS IN COAIAION3

(British Official "Wireless)

(Received this day at 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Nov. 18. In the Commons to-day the Secretaiy for India (Captain "Wedgwood Benn) was asked whether he had any information regarding the manifesto addressed . h.v the Executive Commits tec of the Commin:list International to the peoples of India urging them to rise and throw off British rule, and il so. what stops he proposed to take to- prevent the circulation of this manifesto in India. Captain \\ edgewood Bonn replied that he had no information beyond what had appear'd! in the press. 'Plio Foreign Secretary (Air A. Henderson) was asked by Air N. Chamberlain whether his attention had been called to the* statement published in the “Isvestia” that the agreement of 1924 and the protocol of the 3rd October, 1929, did not contain and could not contain a single word relating to the Comintern, and whether he would assure himself that tire Soviet Government understood and accepted his interpretation of the agreement, before effect was given to it by an exchange of Ambassadors. Mr A. Henderson replied:—“l have seen various articles in the “Isvestia” and other newspapers. Under paragraph seven of the protocol of the 3rd of October, which was approved by the House, the Soviet Govern-, merit has undertaken to confirm on, the day on which their Ambassador presents his credentials, the ugreemnot with regard to the propaganda contained in Article, 16 of tlm 1924 agreement. ' In accordance with the statements made by the Prime Minister and myself on various occasions it is the intention of tlie Government to insist that the pledge which is thus provided for in the protocol and which they .regard as dearly applicable to propagandist activities of the Comintern shall ho observed both in the letter and spirit.

The necessary formalities have already been completed and the two Ambassadors appointed, and the British Government has thereby begun to put into effect the provisions of the protocol as approved by this House.

Mr Chamberlain asked whether Air Henderson really thought it safe to proceed with the exchange of Ambassadors, when it was quite obvious the Russian Soviet Government put a different- interpretation on the pledge from that which was put upon it by the House of Commons by the Prime Minister and himself. Air Henderson replied that he was under an obligation to seek to carry into effect the decision of the House and in the event of the pledge which would be contained in the agreement that would be handed to the Ambassador on presentation of his credentials, being broken, the responsibility would rest with the British Government as to the action it must tnke. The Secretary for India, replying to a question, stated the Government of India was consulted respecting' a resumption of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government, and the action taken bv the British Government accorded with the view expressed bv the Government of India,

Tho Foreign Secretary was asked whether any response would he made to President Hoover’s declaration with reference to immunity from seizure of’ foodstuffs in time of war. Mr Hendersoi\ replied that Mr Hoover emphasised that lie did not intend his words to he taken as embodying special proposals to any particular nation. No answer was therefore called for from the British Governm&nt, but the- proposals would be examined by them.

FURTHER QUESTIONS. LONDON, Nov. 18. i Tn the- Commons, Air MacDonald said the Dominions had not been previously consulted before being notified of the Government’s slowing down policy regarding the Singapore base. Decisions of the Five Power Conference might affect the whole original idea of the base.

Mr Amery asked“ Were not the contributions from the Malay States made with the express otrect of expediting work at the base.” Mr MacDonald:—“You know our predecessors spent the Malay States money first. No British Government would avoid obligations like that.” Asked if he would consider the appointment of a Minister of Commerce who could personally visit the Dominions, and Mandated territories to encourage trade with them. Mr MacDonald said every opportunity would hie taken by Ministers making overseas tours, to encourage inter-imperial trade.