asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state how many and which of the countries represented on the London Non-Intervention Committee had taken power by legislation prior to the 16th February, 1937, to prevent the recruiting, transit and dispatch of their own nationals as volunteers for Spain, and how many and which of the said countries have promoted legislation since the 16th February, 1937, for the said purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Non-Intervention Policy.
Legislation to prevent the recruiting, transit and dispatch of their own nationals as volunteers for Spain was in force prior to the 16th February, 1937, in the United Kingdom and Belgium. Since the 16th February legislation for the same purpose was brought into operation by the following countries:—France, Germany, U.S.S.R., Portugal, Italy, Poland, Norway, Netherlands and Luxembourg. The necessary legislative measures are being taken by the following countries: Denmark, Greece, Sweden, Rumania, Austria, Bulgaria, Esthonia, Hungary, and Latvia.
Arising out of the President's reply, in reference to the countries mentioned in the last category in which it is stated that legislative steps are being taken, are we to understand that the legislation requisite for this convention has not been completed in these countries?
I cannot say that. It had not been completed when this reply was written.
Are we to understand that when the President's reply was prepared by himself for communication to the House so far as he was aware the necessary legislation had not been completed?
Not at the time the reply was drafted. I cannot say more at the moment.
asked the Minister for External Affairs if he would state how many and which of the countries represented on the London Non-Intervention Committee (a) have legislative authority, or (b) have introduced legislative proposals enabling them to prevent the recruiting, transit and dispatch of persons other than their own nationals as volunteers for Spain.
I am not in a position to say whether the legislative measures referred to in the preceding answer prohibit the recruiting, transit and dispatch of persons other than their own nationals as volunteers for Spain. It is anticipated, however, that the Governments represented on the Non-Intervention Committee are taking the necessary steps towards that end in accordance with the Agreement of the Non-Intervention Committee of the 16th February.
Arising out of the President's reply, is he in a position to say that each of the twenty-seven nations concerned in the Non-Intervention Pact have already introduced legislation within the meaning of paragraph (b) of this question?
There are three or four other nations that are not in the list. The Deputy will himself see that. One of these is Lithuania. Another is Albania, and I think there are two others.
Who have not yet acted or are about to do so?
Not yet acted.
I counted the list roughly as the President was speaking. Taking the number of States represented on the Non-Intervention Committee as 27, we had two who legislated before the 16th, nine in the later category, and nine in the other later category That would account for 20 or 21 out of the 27.
Our list accounted for 20 in all, leaving seven unaccounted for.
That is to say, seven States have not, as yet, introduced legislation in pursuance of this Pact?
That is, as far as we know.
The President will excuse us for pressing him exhaustively on this question——
I forgot to include ourselves. That would leave six unaccounted for.
That leaves six States which have not actually introduced legislation?
So far.