22. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total expenditure which has been incurred by Great Britain, France and Italy, respectively, in connection with the maintenance of the League of Nations since its inception; what is the estimated annual cost of the International Court of Justice; whether any and, if so, what proportion of such cost will be borne by the United States of America; and what will be the share to be carried by this country?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe approximate totals of the contributions paid by Great Britain, France and Italy, respectively, towards the expenses of the League of Nations, since its inception, are as follows:
1008 These expenses include the cost of the International Court of Justice, which for the year 1926 is estimated at gold francs 1,907,691, or £76,300. Under the existing arrangements the proportion of this sum payable by Great Britain is approximately £8,500, but it is not possible for me to say what modification of this contribution will be made as the result of the adherence of the United States to the protocol under which the International Court of Justice was established.
Great Britain £431,888 France £396,041 Italy £337,736
Sir F. HALLWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether the United States are going to pay a proportion of that amount?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI do not know, Sir.
§ Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEMay I ask what proportion, or what sums, are to be contributed by the other members of the League?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINDoes The hon. Gentleman really expect I can answer that question without notice? He wants a whole series of figures relating to, I think, some 45 States.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODMay I be permitted to ask the Foreign Secretary this question, arising out of the answer—seeing that we are such good contributors to the League of Nations, from a monetary point of view, and that the Foreign Secretary, our representative there, is a very powerful inditidual—through us, not, through himself—has he yet made up his mind to extend the right hand of fellowship to the Soviet of Russia to line up with us and other nations?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not arise out of the answer.