86. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the amount in which China is now in arrears in the payment of her contribution to the expenses of the League of Nations?
§ Mr. EDENAccording to the latest figures furnished by the Secretary-General, the amount is 9,947,229.40 gold francs, approximately £400,000 sterling at gold parity.
Sir F. HALLWho has to make up this deficiency, and can the hon. Gentleman say whether the voting rights of any country that has not paid its proper quota are the same as those of countries which have discharged their obligations?
§ Mr. EDENThe decision in this matter lies with the Council of the League and not with His Majesty's Government, and we can only take our part on the Council in any decision that is taken.
Sir F. HALLWill the hon. Gentleman bring this important matter before the League of Nations, showing that it is inadvisable that those who do not pay should be allowed to have the same rights as those who do?
§ Mr. EDENNo; the matter was reconsidered at the last meeting of the Assembly, and the general amount of the arrears is now less than it was previously
§ Mr. G. BALFOURIs my hon. Friend aware that China levied over £20,000,000 on the civil population of Manchuria and spent it in armaments for the purpose of the present war?