§ 59. Captain W. BENNasked the Lord Privy Seal whether any steps have been taken, and, if so, what steps, to initiate a discussion for a naval agreement between the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe views of His Majesty's Government upon this question were fully expressed by the Prime Minister at the opening of the present Imperial Conference and were published in yesterday's papers. I do not think that it would be in the public interest that I should say more at present as to the means of promoting an object which would seem to be as much desired in the United States as in the British Empire, and in the pursuit of which I hope that the three great Powers named by the hon. and gallant Gentleman may heartily co-operate.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think, as the strongest Naval Power, it really is incumbent on us to initiate a discussion? If all the Powers are going to wait for the others nothing will ever happen.
Mr. CHAMBERLAINWith due deference to the hon. and gallant Gentleman, I do not think it is in the public interest that I should say anything more.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYSecret diplomacy again.