HC Deb 01 April 1925 vol 182 cc1287-8
17. Mr. LEES-SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to hold a round-table conference in which Germany would be invited to discuss the particular, of the proposed five-Power pact?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Discussions on this subject are still in their early stages, and I cannot forecast the course which they may take.

Mr. LEES-SMITH

In view of the acknowledged success of this round-table method at the London Conference, will the right hon. Gentleman at an early stage consider whether it can be substituted for these questionnaires to the German Government?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think the hon. Gentleman really is not facilitating a happy issue out of our present discussion by the tone of the question which he puts. His Majesty's Government are most anxious and most desirous that the discussions which have been opened should produce a real amelioration of the European situation, and will do whatever in them lies to secure such result; but I beg the House will not ask me to commit myself to particular methods of procedure at this early stage. Unless I have certain discretion, I am bound to fail.

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