HC Deb 24 March 1926 vol 193 cc1182-3
6. Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when and where the preliminary conference on disarmament arranged by the League of Nations will take place?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The first meeting of the Preparatory Committee on Disarmament will take place at Geneva on 18th May.

Mr. SMITH

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what the position is in regard to Russia?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The Council at its meeting addressed, or directed the Secretary-General to address, a reply to the Soviet Government. That reply, of course, cannot be published until the Soviet Government has received it. It will then, I imagine, be published by the Secretariat.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who the British representatives will be at this preliminary Conference?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

All matters in connection with this Conference have been dealt with by my Noble Friend, Lord Cecil. I hope he will be available.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it a fact that America will be represented at this Conference, and, if so, will it be possible to have any conversations with that country before the Conference takes place—[HON. MEMBERS "Oh!"]—in order to secure a united front?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

What a curious commentary on yesterday's Debate! I hope that America will be represented.

Mr. RILEY

Will consideration be given to whether the Conference can be held at some other place than Geneva?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

That is a matter dealt with in this letter from the Council which was directed to be sent in reply to the Soviet Government. I understand, as I have said, that it will be published by the League authorities after it has reached the Soviet Government.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are we to understand that in future the same policy will be adopted towards the French Government: and towards the American Government in these matters?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Our policy is one of friendly co-operation with all Governments of good will.