HC Deb 21 April 1926 vol 194 cc1181-2
8. Mr. J. HUDSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any proposals for the postponement of the Preparatory Conference on Disarmament, fixed for 17th May in Geneva; and whether he is prepared, in order to remove any possibility of such postponement, to propose some other venue than Switzerland for this conference?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Mr. W. THORNE

Have the Russian Government been invited to attend this Conference, and, if so, have they accepted the invitations?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

They have been invited to attend and have declined to attend.

Mr. HUDSON

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any information to the effect that certain smaller States in Europe are objecting to the Conference in view of the fact that Russia is not likely to be represented?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir.

Mr. PALING

Is it not possible, in view of the importance of this question, that something could be done to remove the disagreement which now exists, and bring this Conference to a successful conclusion?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The Conference will meet.

Mr. HUDSON

With all its representatives?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The Conference will meet. Russia has declined to attend it if it be held in Switzerland, and has declined, in terms which are not very courteous to the League or favourable to the objects which the League has in view. Every effort was made to obtain a settle- ment of the differences which had arisen between the Soviet Government and the Swiss Government in order to prevent this happening, but those efforts have failed. It is impossible that the League should transfer its seat from Switzerland at the bidding of any Power which happens at the moment to have a diplomatic difference with the Swiss Government.

10. Mr. D. GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the advisability of urging that meetings of the League of Nations Preparatory Commission for the Disarmament Conference subsequent to the opening meeting shall be held in some town outside Switzerland in order that the collaboration of a Russian representative may be secured?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir.