49. Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether the Reparations Commission has sent a Note to the German Government on the subject of the Treaty of Rapallo between the Russian and German Governments; whether there is any co-ordination between the actions of the Reparations Commission, the Allied Representatives at Genoa, and the League of Nations; or whether these three bodies all communicate with the German Government on different phases of the same subject without reference to each other?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Reparation Commission's Note to the German Government on the subject of the Treaty of Rapallo (which was published in the Press on the 5th instant) states that the Commission has in the Note confined its observations to the questions with which it is immediately concerned. There is, so far as I am aware, no reason to apprehend any danger of confusion arising between the Reparation Commission and the Allied Governments. I have no information that the League of Nations propose to take any action as regards the Treaty of Rapallo.
Mr. MALONEWill the right hon. Gentleman say what is the channel of communication for co-ordinating the operations of these bodies?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI never thought of inquiring into that question. If they want to communicate with one another, they can, and as long as each minds its own business, they are not likely to come into conflict.
§ 55. Captain W. BENNasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will consent to lay all official papers relating to the inclusion in the reparations claim of charges for pensions?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. I do not see how it would be possible to meet the hon. and gallant Member's wish without publishing practically the whole of the proceedings of the Peace Conference in regard to reparation. This could not be done without the consent of all the States which took part, and is, in my opinion, contrary to public interest at present.
§ Captain BENNDoes the right hon. Gentleman hold that the inclusion of these claims was within the pre-Armistice terms?