HC Deb 01 March 1926 vol 192 cc1011-2
49. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has considered the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the Council of the League of Nations which has been arranged so that the question of the Saar Commission will be brought up first, and before Germany has been admitted to the League; and whether the Government will endeavour to secure that a matter so closely concerning German interests should be postponed until she can be represented?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Austen Chamberlain)

I can add nothing to the reply given on 25th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Ripon.

Mr. TREVELYAN

In view of the international importance of this matter, and the fact that it has not been orally answered, would the right hon. Gentleman read the reply?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I will read from the OFFICIAL REPORT: Major HILLS asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as the first item on the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the League of Nations Council has reference to the appointment of the members and chairman of the Saar Valley Governing Commission, it is intended to deal with this matter before Germany has taken her seat as a member of the Council?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it is the usual practice for the Council to examine the agenda and decide all questions relating to its procedure, and I am unable to anticipate the Council's decision on this occasion.—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 25th February, 1926; cols. 750–51, Vol. 192.]

Mr. MacDONALD

May we assume it is an open question as to whether that will be discussed?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes. Obviously a British Minister cannot speak for the Council about a matter which is within the discretion of the Council, and on which it has not yet deliberated. I am fully aware of the large interests that are involved in the whole proceedings of the forthcoming Council of the League.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, whether the Government will endeavour to secure that a matter so closely concerning German interests should be postponed until she can be represented?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think the interests of peace and international understanding are served by members of individual Governments saying what they will or will not do at a meeting of the great world Council of the League of Nations, and I do not see how we can ever come to an agreement if each of us announces our policy beforehand and is unwilling to make any concession to others.

Captain SHAW

May I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention—

Mr. SPEAKER

This is not the time for drawing attention.