§ 39. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the unanimous passing in the United States Senate of the Amendment of Senator Borah authorising and requesting the 586 President to invite the Government of Japan and His Majesty's Government to consider the mutual limitation of naval armaments; whether he will consider inviting Parliament to pass a Resolution in similar terms; and, in the meantime, if he will give directions for the cessation of expenditure on new construction for His Majesty's Navy until such time as the result of the action of the United States Senate is apparent?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir. I have observed the proceedings in the United States Senate. We have not yet received an invitation from the President.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I have an answer to the second part of the question—whether it is advisable to pass a similar Resolution? [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] May I have an answer to the third part, as to new construction?
§ The PRIME MINISTEREverything will depend, of course, on whether this Resolution be put into operation.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn view of the strength of our naval position cannot we afford to lead the way in stopping construction?
§ Viscount CURZONIs it not a fact that no part of Senator Borah's Resolution refers to ships now under construction?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is so.