§ 47. Mr. HASLAMasked the Prime Minister whether the representatives of the United Kingdom at the forthcoming Conference at Genoa will insist upon the stoppage of further issues of fiduciary paper money in those European countries where the issues are now apparently without limit, as a preliminary to any agreement that may be considered with a view of developing business relationships between the various countries concerned or respecting the payment of reparations by Germany?
Mr. YOUNGThe representatives of the United Kingdom will certainly do their utmost to secure the cessation of the issue of uncovered paper money in Europe at the earliest possible moment. Proposals to this end are included in the draft programme which the British representatives are preparing for Genoa.
§ 50. Mr. LYLEasked the Prime Minister whether the resolutions at the Genoa Conference will need the ratification of all the Powers interested before they take effect; and, in that case, why the Japanese Government is alone of extra-European nations represented in the absence of America?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt is impossible for me to state in advance what procedure will be adopted at the Genoa Conference as regards the manner of giving effect to any of the decisions at which it may arrive. Japan will be represented as one of the Powers composing the Supreme Council which, at its meeting at Cannes, passed the resolution in favour of convoking the Genoa Conference.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether M. Poincaré promised ratification by the French Government before effect was given to the decisions reached?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy knowledge on that subject is, I think, gained from the public Press. I do not think I have had any communications. I was not asked as to the action of a particular Government, but as to the action of all Governments, and I cannot answer for all of them.