§ 3. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether China, Peru and Bofivia have now paid their arrears of contributions due to the League of Nations; and, if not, whether these States have put forward any scheme for payment, and which was the last year that these countries paid?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN. AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)No, Sir. So far as I am aware, no definite scheme for payment has yet been put forward by any of the States named. A part of the Chinese contribution in respect of 1922 was paid, but nothing has been received in respect of the years 1923, 1924 and 1925; a payment on account of the Chinese contribution for 1926 has been 2078 received. The last payments by Peru and Bofivia were in 1920 and 1923 respectively, and no further payments have since been made by these countries.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKCan the hon. Gentleman state whether any steps can be taken to recover this money?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWere there any other defaulting States for 1923, 1924 and 1925?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI should have to have notice of the last supplementary question. In regard to the supplementary question of my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Everton Division of Liverpool (Colonel Woodcock) I may say that the matter is now being considered by the Council of the League at its present sitting.
§ Sir FREDRIC WISEWill these countries lose their votes if they do not make their annual payment?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe whole legal position is now being considered.