§ 37. Mr. ROBERT RICHARDSONasked the Prime Minister whether the British Government has instructed its chief delegate or its representatives on commissions of the League of Nations Assembly to vote in favour of the abolition of private manufacture of armaments; and, if not, why no such instructions have been given?
§ The PRIME MINISTERUnder Article 8 of the Covenant of the League, members agree that the manufacture by private enterprise of munitions and implements of war is open to grave objection. In considering this difficult and complicated question the British delegates will naturally bear in mind the principle accepted under this Article.
§ Mr. W. THORNESeeing that Germany is now practically disarmed, cannot the right hon. Gentleman advise a universal reduction of armaments for all nations, so as to save the terrible amount of money now being spent on them?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHave the Government done anything to put it into operation or to encouraging other nations to do so, or to break the armaments ring which is probably the principal cause of war?
§ Sir A. S. BENNHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of instructing our delegates to see that the manufacture of armaments by private firms is only carried on under a permit from their Government so that each Government may be in a position to tell the League of Nations what armaments are being made?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAll these considerations are borne in mind by our representatives at Geneva. I do not think it desirable to hamper them.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhat are we doing in that direction.
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe have to act in conjunction with other Powers
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhy not take the initiative?
§ Mr. A. WILLIAMSIs there not a committee of the League of Nations dealing with this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIs it not a fact that Germany is not nearly disarmed as yet?