HC Deb 03 May 1920 vol 128 cc1694-5
53. Mr. LUNN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the International Finance Conference convened by the Council of the League of Nations will be composed exclusively of representatives from the States which are members of the League; and, if not, whether the Governments of the United States Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey will be represented?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I understand that invitations have been sent to 25 States, members of the League, to send Delegates to the International Finance Conference. Other States, members of the League, will be invited to send to the Council any proposals which they may wish the Conference to consider.

The United States Government is also being invited to send representatives to the Conference or to be associated with the work of the Conference.

It will be for the Council to decide whether and in what form other States, including the ex-enemy States, will be invited to present their views.

Mr. BILLING

Will Ireland be invited to present its views to the League of Nations?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

What will be the use of a financial discussion about the position of Europe unless all States are invited to enter into it, as otherwise it will be abortive?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

In the latter part of my answer I state that the Council may invite other nations.

Mr. MILLS

Does Russia come within the definition of ex-enemy States?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

That is a different question, of which I should require notice.

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