§ 33. Mr. MANDERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if it is the intention of the Foreign Secretary or himself to attend any part of the sittings of the Assembly of the League of Nations?
§ Captain EDENThe exceptionally critical domestic circumstances of the present time may make it impossible for my Noble Friend to attend the meeting of the Assembly this year, anxious as he is to do so. The matter is still under consideration. There is, I understand, no intention that I should proceed myself. I am sure the House will appreciate the circumstances in which my Noble Friend is placed in this matter, particularly as he is himself deeply interested in the work of the League of Nations, and attaches as much importance to it as any of his predecessors in office.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes not the hon. and gallant Member think that it is very important that some Member of the Government should go out for a part of the sittings, and will he give that matter further consideration?
§ Captain EDENI have already shown by my reply that it is considered important, but the exceptional circumstances of the present time may demand exceptional action by my Noble Friend.
§ Mr. DALTONCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether it is Foreign Office duties or duties commonly performed by other Members of the Government which are keeping the present Foreign Secretary away?
Mr. ALLENAre the Government going to consider what economies can be effected in connection with the League of Nations?