13 JULY 1929, Page 2

Allies. Mr. Henderson, the new Secretary of State for Foreign

Affairs, agreed that the evacuation of the Rhineland ought to be simultaneous, and he believed that France and Belgium would not put obstacles in the way. He left it to be inferred, however, that the Government did not reject the possibility of ultimately acting alone if necessary. In regard to the Optional Clause, he attached great importance to all parts of the Empire acting together, but, as in the case of the Rhineland, he left the House with the impression that the Government might act alone if circumstances com- pelled them. * * * *