§ 27. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's representative on the Council of the League of Nations has been instructed to introduce a motion for the reduction of armaments in accordance with Article 8 of the Covenant of the League of Nations; if so, when will this motion be introduced; and what will be the attitude of His Majesty's Government to such a motion if introduced by the representative of another Power?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI would refer the hon. Member to Article 9 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, under which a permanent Commission is to be constituted to advise the Council of the League of Nations on the execution of the provisions of Articles 1 to 8 of the Covenant. Steps will no doubt be taken by the Council to constitute this Commission in due course.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre we to understand that nothing has yet been done in regard to this very urgent matter, especially in view of the financial situation of Europe?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI wish the hon. Member would look at the Treaty. Article 8 deals specifically with the limitation of armaments and the steps to be taken.
§ Colonel GREIGDoes not the Convention of the League contemplate the retention of such powers as will enable it to enforce its decision?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Article to which I have referred discusses the question of the limitation of armaments; but it must depend upon the situation of each country, and the Council is specially designed to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. A. WILLIAMSHas the League taken any of the steps provided for in the Treaty, or is it beginning to do so?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSteps are being taken to set up the Commission. I believe it has not been set up, but I believe it will be shortly.