§ 5. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a. rotary conference is taking place at Ostend in the month of June, which will be attended by many delegates, including a large number of influential citizens of the United States of America; and whether he will give them the same facilities, as far as visas are concerned, as those given to the American Legionaries?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir. I should explain that the position of the persons who are to attend the Rotary Conference differs a good deal from that of the American Legionaries. The treatment to be accorded to the former is under consideration.
§ Mr. RAMSDENDoes not my right hon. Friend think it worth while to take any steps to encourage people to come to this country?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThat question is framed in rather wide terms.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYBut, surely, in view of the position of these gentlemen, would it not be advisable to exercise any means possible to bring them here?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThat is not the question put to me a moment ago, which was whether it was worth while to take any steps to induce anyone to visit this country.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIn view of the fact that this visa for American passports is rather a slur upon the Americans, could not the right hon. Gentleman do what is possible to make exceptions such as these in order to assist in developing a mind both in America and here which would do away with this visa altogether?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINWe should be glad to make large changes if only we could get the same facilities for our 368 citizens going to America as it is suggested we should grant to Americans coming here.