HC Deb 01 March 1926 vol 192 cc1009-11
29. Marquess of HARTINGTON

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether communications have been received from any of the Dominions expressing their views on the proposed increase in the permanent membership of the Council of the League of Nations; and, if so, to what effect?

Mr. AMERY

I would refer the Noble Lord to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 17th February. I feel sure that he will appreciate that it is not possible for me to make any statement as to the nature of the communications passing with the Dominions on this subject, which are of a confidential character.

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

Will the right hon. Gentleman submit the correspondence prior to any Debate taking place on this subject?

Mr. AMERY

I am not quite sure that I can. I shall have to consider that, but it will depend a good deal on the views of the Governments concerned.

Mr. THOMAS

Is it not essential for this House to know exactly what is the Dominions' point of view?

53. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has yet been arrived at as to the instructions to be given to our delegate on the Council of the League of Nations on the question of the enlargement of the League Council beyond the admission of Germany?

61. Mr. LIVINGSTONE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growing fear in this House and in the country that an attempt may be made at the forthcoming League of Nations meeting at Geneva to effect extensive permanent changes in the constitution of the League of Nations Council, he will inform the House what instructions have been or will be given to the British delegate before he leaves this country for Geneva?

63. Mr. HARRIS

asked the Prime Minister whether the Dominions will have an opportunity to discuss any proposed change in the constitution of the League of Nations Council before this country is committed to any change?

64. Captain LODER

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a Resolution unanimously adopted by the First Assembly of the League of Nations on the 7th December, 1920, laying it down that when a member of the League of Nations Council votes he does so not in a personal capacity, but specifically in the name of the country he represents.; and whether, in view of the national responsibility attaching to a decision on the question of increasing the permanent membership of the League of Nations Council, which if taken cannot be reversed, he will give facilities for the discussion of the matter in this House before the Government's policy is finally settled?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

I shall be glad if hon. Members will be good enough to await the statement on this subject which I hope to make later in the week, probably on Thursday.

Lieut. Commander KENWORTHY

I will repeat the question on Thursday.

Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD

Is it quite impossible to make that statement on Wednesday?

The PRIME MINISTER

Either Wednesday or Thursday. If I can, I will do it on Wednesday.