§ 7. Sir K. WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, at the recent meetings at Geneva, the matter of the naval building programmes of France and Italy was discussed; what further steps the Government now propose to take in the matter of the proposed naval agreement; and whether he can now make a further statement on the present position?
§ 10. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position in regard to preparations for a further naval disarmament conference, especially in regard to the Franco-Italian naval agreement negotiations?
Mr. A. HENDERSONI would refer the hon. Members to the replies given by me to questions on the same subject on Monday last and also on Wednesday last.
§ Sir K. WOODWas the matter discussed at Geneva?
Mr. HENDERSONIt was not discussed in the sense that there was an open discussion, but it was the subject of private conversation and reference.
§ Sir K. WOODWhat further steps are being taken?
Mr. HENDERSONI think I indicated that this question had been somewhat influenced by the recent elections that have taken place for the Presidency of the French Republic. The present Government has to offer its resignation 988 to the new President on the 13th instant, and I am hoping that when a new Government is, as it were, installed under the new President, an opportunity may arise to continue the negotiations.