§ 35. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now announce any decision relative to the holding of another meeting of the Five Powers who recently conferred on the work of the Disarmament Conference; where the meeting will be held; and what will be its object?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)As I informed by hon. Friend the Member for Elland (Mr. Levy) yesterday, no decision has yet been taken on this subject.
§ 36. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now state whether it has been decided to hold a meeting of the principal naval Powers to discuss disarmament in accordance with the resolution passed by the Disarmament Conference last July?
§ Mr. EDENThe resolution in question invited the Powers parties to the Washington and London Naval Treaties "to confer together and to report to the General Commission." Conversations have been taking place between representatives of those Powers in accordance with the terms of the resolu- 905 tion, and, in particular, further efforts have recently been made by the British and American Delegations with a view to discover a solution of outstanding difficulties which would be acceptable to France, Italy and ourselves. These conversations will continue when the Conference reassembles, but there is no question at present of holding a meeting at which all these Powers will be represented.
§ Mr. MANDERIn view of the very long passage of time since last July, cannot the hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of progress being made in the near future?
§ Mr. EDENThe resolution of last July was not in reference to a meeting, but asked that the parties should confer together. They have been doing that, and they are doing so.