14 DECEMBER 1929, Page 2

Mr. Henderson and the Soviet On Monday Mr. Henderson informed

the House of Commons that he regarded the approval of that. House as a sufficient fulfilment of his undertaking that the renewal of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Govern- ment should be approved " by Parliament." There is no doubt about the wording of the protocol, but Par- liament consists of two Houses. Constitutionally, there- fore, Mr. Henderson has behaved very incorrectly. He excuses himself by saying that in previous negotiations with Russia the approval of the House of Commons was held to be enough. We do not dispute that, and we think that his argument as such is sound, but he ought to have made it clear that he meant " the House of Commons " not " Parliament."