HC Deb 20 February 1922 vol 150 cc1503-5
40. Mr. L. MALONE

asked the Prime Minister the date of the Genoa Conference; whether the question of Turkey will be discussed; whether representatives of the Turkish Government will be invited to attend; and whether, as promised to Russia, Constantinople will be placed under Russian jurisdiction?

The PRIME MINISTER

The date of meeting provisionally fixed at Cannes has not so far been changed, action depending in the main upon the formation of an Italian Government. The answers to the last three parts of the question are in the negative.

46. Sir F. HALL

asked the Prime Minister what were the conditions upon which the Allied Conference decided to ask Russia to take part in the Genoa discussions; and whether these conditions have been accepted by the Soviet Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the resolution of the Supreme Council at Cannes, which defined the conditions on which States were invited to the Conference at Genoa. In reply to the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the right hon. Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert) on the 13th February.

Sir W. DAVISON

Having regard to the statement made by the Secretary of State for India in the recent Debate, that the present unrest in India was largely caused by Soviet propaganda, will the right hon. Gentleman state what reliance can be placed on any assurances given by the Soviet Government?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise here.

48. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the British representatives to the Genoa Conference have yet been chosen and, if so, what are their names; whether any explanation of the Government's proposed line of policy at Genoa will be made to Parliament; if so, when this will be; and whether this House will be given any opportunity of expressing its opinion on the problems involved at Genoa?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Further explanations of the Government policy can be sought, if desired, on the Estimates, or on the Appropriation Bill.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that an opportunity for discussing the Government's policy at Washington was given to the House, with very beneficial results, and why is that course not being followed by him in regard to this equally important Conference?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have told the hon. and gallant Member that if discussion is desired, it can be taken on the Estimates or on the Appropriation Bill.

Mr. MALONE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when and where the preliminary conference of experts will take place, and who are those experts?

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