§ Sir D. MACLEANMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he is in a position today, or will he shortly be in a position, to give us any information about the Inter-Allied Conference which has just been held in London?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERAt the meetings which took place at Downing Street of representatives of France, Italy, the United States, Japan, and Great Britain on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of last week, important discussions took place on the conclusion of Peace with Turkey and Hungary, the Adriatic question, and the arrangements for future sittings of the Peace Conference and as to the ratification of the Treaties already concluded and the execution of their clauses.
The economic and financial situation was examined in detail. In order to remedy the fall in the exchange, prejudicial to the two nations, the British Government agreed to the issue of a French Loan in England, the date, the amount, and the conditions of which will be fixed by agreement between the two Governments.
The Russian situation was also taken fully into consideration, and on this, as on all other questions, the Allies were in complete agreement. The decisions taken on this question were in complete accordance with the policy already announced to the House of Commons.
48 It was decided to resume the Allied Conference at an early date which would be convenient for the attendance of the Prime Ministers and Foreign Secretaries of France, Italy, and Great Britain and the representatives of the United States and Japan, in order to formulate the proposals for the Treaty with Turkey and finally dispose of the difficulties arising out of the situation in the Adriatic.
§ Mr. BILLINGIn view of the statement that France will be allowed to issue a loan in this country, are we to understand that we are to have French Premium Bonds?
§ Sir D. MACLEANHaving regard to the importance of the subject, will the Prime Minister be present on the Appropriation Bill discussion, when, obviously, these matters must be debated in the House?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERCertainly. Perhaps my right hon. Friend will tell me the day when he proposes to raise this issue?
§ Sir D. MACLEANTo-morrow.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHas there been any departure from the pledge given in this House some time ago in regard to Russia?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERNo. The policy declared by the Allies, in respect of which there is complete agreement, is in accordance with the declaration which I made in the House of Commons.