28. Captain BENNasked the Prime Minister the date on which the Genoa Conference will actually meet; whether an agenda has been submitted to and 1201 accepted by the countries who will be represented; and whether it is expected that France and the United States of America will send delegates?
38. Mr. L. MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether he will inform the House what will be the agenda and programme before the Conference at Genoa; whether any country has expressed a wish that the date should be later than 8th March; and whether any reply has yet been received from America?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINA preliminary outline of the agenda and programme for the Genoa Conference was communicated to the Press by the head of the Italian Economic Mission in this country on 27th January. The French Government have suggested a postponement of the date of meeting. The decision on this point will rest with the Italian Government, who will no doubt consult the principal powers concerned. I do not know whether the Italian Government have yet received a reply from the Government of the United States.
Captain BENNHave the terms of the Agenda been agreed to by the countries which intend to be present; and, secondly, will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question with regard to France and the United States?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir; France is expected to attend. France was represented at the Cannes Conference, where the decision to hold the Genoa Conference was taken. I do not know yet whether a reply has been received by the Italian Government from the United States of America. As regards the Agenda, a preliminary outline of it has been published in the Press, as I have stated, and communications as to details and further explanations are passing between the Powers.
Mr. MALONEWhy has Turkey not been invited? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Mustapha Kernel Pasha has stated his refusal to carry out any decisions of this Conference if Turkey is not included?