HC Deb 28 July 1924 vol 176 cc1738-9
25. Mr. J. HARRIS

asked 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 KENWORTHY

asked 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 MINISTER

I am not at present in a position to say anything further on the subject.

Mr. HARRIS

Will the Prime Minister be prepared to make a statement before the House rises as to the principles of disarmament which he will lay before the Assembly of the League?

The PRIME MINISTER

I 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 KENWORTHY

In 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 MINISTER

Both.

32. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked 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 MINISTER

The 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 KENWORTHY

Is 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 MINISTER

My 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