HC Deb 01 June 1932 vol 266 cc1163-4
Mr. LANSBURY by Private Notice

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state what is the present position in regard to the International Economic Conference which, according to the Press, is favoured by the Government of the United States of America?

Sir J. SIMON

Within the last few days conversations have taken place between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States on the suggestion that an International Economic Conference should be called to consider methods to stabilise world commodity prices. The matter has not advanced beyond an informal and entirely preliminary stage—so much so that the opportunity of consulting the other Governments chiefly concerned has not yet arisen. It has to be remembered that the terms of reference for the Conference at Lausanne include among the objects to be sought not only a settlement of reparations but agreement on the measures necessary to solve the other economic and financial difficulties which are responsible for, and may prolong, the present world crisis. Unless, therefore, the United States send representatives to the second part of the Lausanne Conference there is a danger of overlapping, and questions of time and place would remain to be considered, even if a yet further conference were decided on. At the same time, the importance of United States co-operation in such a discussion is so great that His Majesty's Government are losing no time in consulting the other Governments who will be assembled at Lausanne as to the suggestion which has been made.