HC Deb 23 September 1931 vol 256 cc1620-1
3. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the financial situation in all countries, it is proposed to cut down the expenditure and salaries of the secretariat of the League of Nations; and, if so, by how much?

Captain EDEN

The Fourth Committee of the Assembly of the League of Nations have given their attention to the whole question of economies, and have agreed upon a resolution to be submitted to the Assembly. This resolution requests the competent officials of the three organisations of the League to limit to the utmost possible extent the expenditure incurred between now and the end of the year.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how much we shall gain by it?

Captain EDEN

No, I cannot. The resolution has yet to be approved by the Assembly.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Have the Government had under review the question of reducing the salaries of our Ambassadors at the foreign. Courts?

Captain EDEN

That is another question.

Sir BEN TURNER

Is it the opinion of the hon. and gallant Gentleman that the expenditure in connection with the League of Nations is the best safeguard for peace and for getting peace machinery?

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Has the question of the foreign nations who do not pay their subscriptions been gone into?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is another question.