COMMONS DEBATE ON POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 313, 19 December 1936, Page 5

COMMONS DEBATE ON POLITICAL AFFAIRS

BRITAIN WILL NOT HAND OVER MANDATES Sinister designs of japan-german treaty BRITAIN MAY PERSUADE HITLER TO WITHDRAW FROM SPAIN. (Press Association—Copyright.) \ Received 1 p.m. ~ LONDON, December 18. In the House of Commons, Mr. Anthony Eden, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, questioned concerning the German campaign for the restoration of her colonies, said that he had nothing to add to his statement of December 9, which denied that Britain intended handing over any mandates. Mr. Morgan Jones (Labour), speaking on the Foreign Affair* debate, drew attention to the gravity of the Far Eastern sitution, and said that Japan had overrun China despite the League of Nations. The Japanese-German agreement hid more sinister designs than it made public. Mr. Jones suggested that Britain might provide medical supplies for Madrid, and protested against granting belligerent rights to General Franco. He said that Labour would not countenance the banning of volunteers, unless other nation* similarly banned them. Mr Macnamara (Conservative), drawing attention to the notices in German barracks calling for volunteers for Franco, said that the;internal condition of Germany was so deplorable that a little firm pressure from Britain would probably persuade Herr Hitler to withdraw from Spain. Mr. Eden said that it was the duty of all nations to keep out of the Spanish conflict. Frankly, non-intervention had not realised its expectations, but despite its shortcomings and blatant breaches, it still reduced the risks of a European war. Mr. Eden added that it had been a most difficult year and he did not wish the House to adjourn for Christmas in a state of gloom. Britain’s position in. Europe was certainly better than last year. The House adjourned until January 18.