HC Deb 15 February 1932 vol 261 cc1268-9
32. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state whether any agreement has yet been reached between the French and British Governments as to the reparations question and as to the proposals to be submitted to the next Reparations Conference; and whether he will make a statement on this matter?

Sir J. SIMON

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the communiqu?é published in the Press last Saturday, which records the decision reached by the Governments of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, to hold a conference in the month of June next in order to agree on a lasting settlement of the questions raised in the report of the Basle experts and on the measures necessary to solve the other economic and financial difficulties which are responsible for, and which may prolong, the present world crisis. My hon. Friend will have noticed that the communique adds, "this decision has been reached by the above Governments in the hope that it will ease the international situation."

Captain MACDONALD

Has the United States been invited to the conference?

Sir J. SIMON

I think that the announcement speaks for itself.