§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD (by Private Notice)May I ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can tell us when it will be convenient for him to have a discussion on the war comments that have come from America?
§ 46. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Prime Minister whether the Government has yet replied to the American proposals for the outlawry of war; and, if not, whether it is intended to defer the reply until the French counter-proposals are received?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINHis Majesty's Government warmly welcome the proposal of the United States Government that a further joint effort should be made to safeguard the peace of the world. They have been giving close and sympathetic attention to the text of the Treaty proposed by Mr. Kellogg with this object and to the observations and suggestions in regard to it offered by the French Government. His Majesty's Government do not doubt that this Franco-American initiative can he brought to a successful issue, but time is obviously needed for examination of the various issues raised and of the important declarations and explanations offered by the United States Secretary of State (of which the last is reported only in this morning's papers) as well as for consultation with the Dominions and with the United States and other Governments concerned. I cannot, therefore, at the present time, indicate a date when a discussion could usefully be helpful, but, if the right hon. Gentleman will repeat his question in a week or 10 days' time, I shall hope to give him a very specific reply as regards a discussion. I hope that what I have said will be sufficient for the moment as regards the attitude of His Majesty's Government.