§ 48. Captain R. TERRELLasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to an announcement, at the League of Nations' meeting at Geneva, by one of the representatives of this country, in favour of the immediate admission of Germany; whether this represents the view of the British Government; and whether he can state the opinion on the subject of the French Government?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe attitude of Great Britain will be determined after hearing the advice of its representatives at Geneva, who will consult with the French and other Allied Governments. A certain latitude must be allowed to delegates to the League of Nations to express their individual opinions, but the vote of Great Britain will be cast by the principal delegate.
§ Mr. HOGGEAre we to understand from that that the right hon. Member for Gorbals (Mr. G. Barnes) had no instructions from the Government?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, he had not. Delegates to the League of Nations must, I think, have a certain amount of latitude. As a matter of fact, I have read the official report of my right hon. Friend's speech, and what he said was that he desired Germany to be admitted as soon as possible.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether they have the same latitude in the vote as in speech?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have already answered that. There can only be one vote of the British delegation, and that vote will be given by the chief delegate.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the Government consider submitting the names of our delegates to this House, as was suggested earlier in the discussion?
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask whether in the future, before committing this country on big financial points, the Government might consider the advisability of consulting this House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI answered that. In the answer I have already given I said the decision of the British delegate would be given after the Government had had consultation with him.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWho is our chief delegate?
§ Mr. LYLE-SAMUELMay I ask whether the League of Nations has any meaning at all until Germany and every country has been admitted to it?
Colonel C. LOWTHERWould it not be absurd to admit Germany to the League of Nations before the amount of the reparation has been decided? Would it not be the same thing as forgiving the criminal before passing sentence?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf we were to wait until Germany had paid the amount which my hon. Friend expects, she would never be admitted to the League.