§ 50. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Prime Minister whether the Commission of the League of Nations dealing with the reduction of armaments is meeting at Paris instead of Geneva; whether the Budget Committee of the League has pointed out that the meeting of such committees away from Geneva adds greatly to the expense: and why the meeting is therefore not taking place at Geneva?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe meeting of the Temporary Mixed Commission on the Reduction of Armaments was fixed to take place in Paris on the 3rd July in order, I believe, to suit the convenience of its members. The Fourth Committee of the Second Assembly recommended that the meetings of committees, etc., held under the auspices of the League should be held at Geneva except on the rarest possible occasions.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAre we to understand that it was at the request of the British Government that this meeting is to take place in Paris and not at Geneva? At whose initiative did this change take place?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid that I cannot answer that question, but if my hon. Friend will put the question down on the Paper I will give him the information asked for.
§ Sir F. BANBURYWould there not be a further saving of expense if these committees did not meet at all?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it would be quite the reverse, because if the League achieve its object, a great saving of expense will be the result of their meetings.