HC Deb 28 April 1926 vol 194 cc2002-4
5. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether steps will be taken to insure that the Commission on the constitution of the Council of the League of Nations shall hold its meetings in public?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The usual procedure followed by Committees of the Council is to consider and decide at their first meeting whether subsequent meetings shall be held in public or not. I assume that this course will be adopted in the present instance.

6. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended that the Committee to study the problems connected with the composition of the Council of the League of Nations shall make recommendations involving the entire revision of the constitution of the League, in so far as the composition of the Council is concerned, or whether it is intended merely to find a solution of the present difficulties?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The right hon. Gentleman probably has in mind the resolution of the Council establishing the Committee, and I need not read it to the House. I cannot predict on what lines, within the limits of the resolution, the Committee's deliberations are likely to develop. I have no information yet as to whether all the States invited to serve on the Committee have accepted, but I do not anticipate that there will be any refusals.

10. Mr. DALTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any agenda has yet been prepared for the forthcoming League of Nations' Commission on the constitution of the Council of the League; if so, whether it will be published; whether all the States invited to serve on the Commission have consented to do so; when the Commission will hold its first meeting; and whether he will now make a statement as to the policy to be pursued by the British representative?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The primary object of the British representative at this Committee, as on the Council, will be to secure the admission of Germany to the League with a permanent seat on the Council. He will be guided generally by the instructions given to Lord Cecil and myself in March which I read to the House after our return, but in view of the new situation created by the March meeting His Majesty's Government have announced that they will enter on the consideration of the future of the Council free from all engagements to support any particular claim.