§ 25. Mr. J. HARRISasked the Prime Minister whether the conference upon disarmament, which he has suggested to the League of Nations, will be summoned directly by His Majesty's Government, or whether he proposes to suggest to the Assembly of the League of Nations that this new conference should be summoned by that body; and whether, in view of the admitted danger of any delay in securing a, limitation of armaments, he proposes to urge the Council of the League, which meets in September, to prepare for the consideration of the Assembly some well-defined alternative scheme to the rejected Draft Treaty of Mutual Assistance?
§ 31. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister what steps are proposed to be taken by His Majesty's Government to bring about a general reduction in European land armaments by agreement now that the pact of mutual assistance has been rejected?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not at present in a position to say anything further on the subject.
§ Mr. HARRISWill the Prime Minister be prepared to make a statement before 1739 the House rises as to the principles of disarmament which he will lay before the Assembly of the League?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have already answered that by saying that at the present time I am not prepared to add anything to what I have already said.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn regard to Question 31, what is the reason that the right hon. Gentleman finds himself in this position? Is it that the matter is under consideration or under negotiation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERBoth.
§ 32. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether he can report any progress towards a further reduction of naval armaments by agreement among the principal naval Powers; and what steps His Majesty's Government proposes to take in this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe reduction of armaments is regarded by His Majesty's Government as one of the essential conditions of national security. It requires, however, to be prepared for by a policy which will create confidence between the nations. Any ill-timed move would do incalculable harm.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now some time since a very definite move in this direction was made in the United States of America, and have we taken any steps in that direction?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. and gallant Friend is quite mistaken. No such move has been made by the President of the United States. He has declared his general interest and sympathy—I cannot give his exact words—and I agree with and respond to that