§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has anything to say regarding statements 1242 that have appeared in the Press that two Powers in addition to Germany are to be granted permanent seats on the Council of the League of Nations and whether the Government have taken any attitude on these claims?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Austen Chamberlain)The application of Germany for admission to the League has opened, as was probably inevitable, the whole question of the composition of the Council, and is giving rise to claims in other quarters. But, until those claims have been formally preferred, and the arguments both for and against them have been heard, it is impossible to reach any final decision as to the course which will best serve the interests of the Council and of the League generally. As far as it is practicable to study them at this stage, the issues involved are receiving the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government.
If it be possible for me to snake a further statement before I leave to attend the Council in March, I will gladly do so, but I feel sure the right hon. Gentleman will recognise that, on a matter which is to be the subject of debate and decision by the Council and Assembly, and on which a good deal of difference of opinion may at first exist, it is desirable that full weight should be given to the feeling which may be found to prevail in those bodies and to the arguments which may be adduced in their discussions. It would, in fact, defeat the whole object of such common consultation, and destroy the usefulness and influence of the League, if the representatives of this and other countries were bound in advance by rigid instructions which rendered any common agreement impossible.
Captain BENNCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication as to the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the application of these two Powers?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI think there are more than two Powers. At the present time I hope the House will allow me to confine myself to the considered statement I have made. If the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition puts a question down, say in the first week of March just before I go to Geneva, if there is further information which can 1243 properly be given, I shall be glad to give it.
§ Mr. THURTLEWould the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether there is any truth in the suggestion which has appeared in the Press that he has given an undertaking to the Spanish Government that their claim for admission to the League Council would he supported by the British Government?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI do not desire at the present time to add anything to the statement which I have made. I think it is inconvenient that I should be asked to do so.