§ 6. Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked 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. CHAMBERLAINThe first meeting of the Preparatory Committee on Disarmament will take place at Geneva on 18th May.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe 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 KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman say who the British representatives will be at this preliminary Conference?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINAll matters in connection with this Conference have been dealt with by my Noble Friend, Lord Cecil. I hope he will be available.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs 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. CHAMBERLAINWhat a curious commentary on yesterday's Debate! I hope that America will be represented.
§ Mr. RILEYWill consideration be given to whether the Conference can be held at some other place than Geneva?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThat 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 WEDGWOODAre 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. CHAMBERLAINOur policy is one of friendly co-operation with all Governments of good will.