§ 45. Mr. C. ROBERTSasked the Prime Minister whether it has been decided to summon a Naval Conference to consider the extension of the Washington Naval Agreements to all States that have not signed those agreements; and whether the invitation to this conference will be extended to all States who are members of the League of Nations, or to all States?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe Council of the League decided at its last meeting that the International Conference recommended by the Assembly of the League in September, 1922, should be held at Geneva shortly after the close of the Pan-American Peace Conference which meets at Santiago on 25th March, the exact date to be fixed subsequently. The agenda for this conference will include the question of extending the principles of the Washington Naval Treaty to non-signatory States, members of the League. States not members of the League will, I understand, be advised of the date of the meeting of the International Conference.
§ Mr. ROBERTSWhat is the object of advising them?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe object is that they should know in order that they may apply if they wish to go. Then the application will be considered.