HC Deb 30 November 1926 vol 200 cc1006-7
39. Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what answer has been given to the proposal for all in arbitration recently received from Holland?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)

At the time when the proposal was received for an extension of the arbitration arrangements the Netherlands Minister was informed that His Majesty's Government would prefer to renew the existing Convention for a period of five years, but with the substitution of the Permanent Court of International Justice at The Hague for the Permanent Court of Arbitration as the tribunal to which disputes were to be referred.

Mr. SMITH

Do I understand that there was a definite offer made by the Government of Holland for arbitration?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I practically said so in my answer.