Oral Answers to Questions — Treaties (Unilateral Denunciation).

– in the House of Commons at on 25 March 1935.

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Photo of Mr Gordon Hall Caine Mr Gordon Hall Caine , Dorset Eastern

6.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what treaties affecting this country have, within the last 50 years, been denounced by unilateral action; and the circumstances of each case?

Photo of Mr Ramsay Macdonald Mr Ramsay Macdonald , Seaham

The Russian Government in 1866 denounced the 59th Article of the Treaty of Berlin, by which Batoum was constituted a free port. I know of no other denunciation by unilateral action where no such right is conferred in the treaty. There have been cases where treaties have been violated without formal denunciation. In addition there have been a number of trade treaties and treaties for similar purposes which have been denounced by unilateral action, such action, however, being in accordance with a right conferred in the treaties.