§ 7. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether further papers will be published on the work of the Preparatory Commission of the League of Nations for disarmament; and whether the calling of a Conference on disarmament is now contemplated?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINSince the first report of the Preparatory Commission was published, neither the Commission nor any of the sub-committees have issued a report, though a lengthy report by the Military sub-Committee has been agreed upon. As soon as reports are issued I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion. At the last Assembly a resolution was passed asking the Council to convene the Disarmament Conference before the next Assembly unless material difficulties rendered this impossible. In coming to a decision as to the date of the Conference the Council will doubtless take into account the progress made by the Preparatory Commission.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWith reference to the long delay of the Conference on disarmament, is not the proposal of the League of Nations delaying the possibility of a Washington Conference which might result in some reduction of armaments?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI do not think the delays have been unreasonable or other than might have been expected. As far as I know, those who take the keenest interest in this subject feel that time must be given for any satisfactory result to be obtained, and that no advantage will be derived by hurrying the matter unduly.