HC Deb 29 April 1931 vol 251 cc1608-10
2. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now make a further statement as to the present position of the negotiations between France, Italy, and this country concerning the naval agreement?

6. Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the position of the negotiations between the French, Italian, and British Governments in regard to naval armaments?

8. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has been any intervention on behalf of the United States of America in the Anglo-French-Italian naval discussions; and what form that intervention has taken?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

Since the answer which I gave on the 20th of April to the right hon. Gentleman, the Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood), and the hon. and gallant Member for South Paddington (Vice-Admiral Taylor), further proposals have been submitted by the French Government, to which a reply has been returned by His Majesty's Government. This reply has also been communicated to the Italian Government. His Majesty's Government is now awaiting further replies from both Governments. While the United States Government have not participated in the recent negotiations, they have been kept fully informed of all developments.

Mr. HANNON

May I ask that, in the meantime, no change shall take place in the policy of His Majesty's Government with reference to the maintenance of the British Navy at full strength?

Mr. HENDERSON

I do not know what change could take place in the meantime.

Captain MACDONALD

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the United States intend to send representatives to this conference?

Mr. HENDERSON

There is no conference.

Captain MACDONALD

The proposed conference.

Mr. HENDERSON

There is no proposed conference.

Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that in common fairness we ought to have the support of the United States and Japan in this matter?

Mr. HENDERSON

Certainly, and that is why we keep them informed, and they keep us informed of their views.

Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman heard my question correctly. Are we not justified in expecting their active support?

Mr. HENDERSON

I do not know what the hon. and gallant Member means by "their active support."

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