§ 32. Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to summon an Imperial conference next year; and, if so, upon what date.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have been anxious for some time past to renew as soon as possible that personal consultation between Prime Ministers which produced such good results in the last two years of the War and at Paris. I recently made inquiries of my colleagues in the Dominions as to the date which would be most generally suitable for them, and I am glad to say that a meeting with the Prime Ministers of the Empire has been arranged for the middle of June, 1921.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTWill the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that no definite decision will be come to with regard to questions such as Mesopotamia until the Prime Ministers of the Empire have been consulted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that would be quite impossible. After all, the burden of the expense is not on the Empire, but on Great Britain, and we could not keep troops in Mesopotamia for months beyond what is actually necessary.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTHas the suggestion ever been made that the Empire as a whole should accept that mandate and provide the cost?
§ Mr. DEVLINWhat about bringing in the National party?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat was discussed.