asked the Minister for External Affairs whether an invitation from the Government of the United States of America to the Free State to become a party to the proposed Kellogg treaty for renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy has been received; whether the terms of the British reply to the United States were communicated to the Executive Council before being sent; and whether he will state what is the attitude of the Executive Council towards the reservations to the general principle of the pact indicated in the following paragraphs of that reply:—
"The language of Article 1, as to the renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy, renders it desirable that I should remind your Excellency that there are certain regions of the world the welfare and integrity of which constitute a special and vital interest for our peace and safety.
"His Majesty's Government have been at pains to make it clear in the past that interference with these regions cannot be suffered. Their protection against attack is to the British Empire a measure of self-defence.
"It must be clearly understood that His Majesty's Government in Great Britain accept the new treaty upon the distinct understanding that it does not prejudice their freedom of action in this respect."