asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will inquire from the Government of the Union of South Africa as to what they consider would be fair compensation to Germany for the territories of South-West Africa and Tanganyika?

I do not think that, in present circumstances, there would be any advantage in making the inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a public statement recommending such conversations has been made by the Minister of Defence in the Union Government, and as the matter obviously raises important questions of Imperial strategic defence, ought not some communication to be made to the Union Government?

I have read the speech to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, and I am inclined to think that at the present moment any such inquiry would be merely academic.