§ 49. Mr. G. BARNESasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the request addressed by the Secretary-General of the League of Nations to members of the Court of Arbitration at the Hague, His Majesty's Government has considered the question of filling the four places in the Court at the Hague accorded to the British Empire, so that full weight may be attached to the nominations to the permanent Court made on behalf of the British Empire?
52. Sir J. D. REESasked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to appoint members on behalf of the British Empire to the Court of Arbitration at the Hague; and, if so, with what object?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI will answer these questions together. No, Sir; Lord Finlay is a member of the Court, and it is not proposed at present to fill the other three places. Although the new Permanent Court of International Justice will no doubt largely take the place of The Hague Court, the latter will continue to exist, and His Majesty's Government consider it desirable to keep places vacant in case any matter is referred to it of concern to the Dominions, who are not represented separately on The Hague Court, and who should, in that event, have a voice in the selection of additional British judges.
Sir J. D. REESWill there be any guarantee that The Hague Court will not hatch another Declaration of London or similar instrument of destruction?