HC Deb 27 June 1932 vol 267 cc1459-61
21. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now able to state the attitude of the Government towards President Hoover's disarmament proposals?

24. Miss RATHBONE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to add anything to his statement at Geneva concerning the policy of His Majesty's Government towards disarmament, and to say in what respects it agrees with, or differs from, the proposals made by Mr. Hoover?

47. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether any and, if so, what reply has been made by His Majesty's Government to the offer of President Hoover?

48. Mr. ATTLEE

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the proposals for disarmament put forward by President Hoover at Geneva?

Sir J. SIMON

In a speech I made at Geneva immediately upon hearing the announcement of these proposals, I expressed on behalf of His Majesty's Government our sense of their profound importance, and promised that they would receive immediate consideration. Members of the United Kingdom Delegation at Geneva have returned to London for that purpose, and His Majesty's Government are now engaged in an examination of the proposals which will also involve communication with the Dominions. It is not, therefore, possible to make any further statement at present.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether the offer made by President Hoover applies to disarmament by all the countries, or whether it may be made to apply to this country alone if we make the reductions required by President Hoover?

Sir J. SIMON

I am speaking from recollection, but my recollection is quite clear; President Hoover has made it plain in his statement that he was putting forward suggestions which might be the basis of a general agreement. After all, that is the basis on which international disarmament must proceed.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

If that be so, one nation can block the whole scheme, and it is not open to the other nations who agree to get the advantage of these proposals?

Mr. ATTLEE

Will there be an opportunity before the House rises to have a full discussion on this question?

Sir J. SIMON

That question must be put to the Lord President of the Council.

Mr. HANNON

Is the Foreign Secretary keeping constantly in mind during the negotiations the immense reductions in defence organisation that have taken place in this country?

Sir J. SIMON

Yes, I am indeed.

Mr. ATTLEE

May I ask the Lord President of the Council whether there will be an opportunity, before the House rises, for discussing the question of Disarmament?

Mr. BALDWIN

While I agree that that is a perfectly natural and proper question, I am afraid that it is impossible for me to answer it at the moment, for this reason, that these proposals are only being considered at the moment, and there may be other far-reaching proposals made by other countries. The Foreign Secretary is going back tomorrow, and, while our Ministers are still engaged in the consideration of the matter, I think it would serve no useful purpose to have a Debate now. If the circumstances so work out, as I hope they will, that the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary will be able to return before very long, and it is possible then it is a matter that I would consider favourably when the time comes. At the moment I can say no more.

Mr. ATTLEE

I will repeat the question.

Mr. MAXTON

if an agreement is come to over there, may we take it that it will be submitted to this House?

Mr. BALDWIN

Oh, certainly. There is no desire to keep any information from this House. But the hon. Member will recognise that the proposals are proposals put forward for consideration, and they are unlikely to be accepted by all the nations of the world en bloc as they stand within the next "week or two.

Mr. MAXTON

My point is that it would be necessary, should the British Government accept in general some agreement, that they should come to this House with the definite proposals for the approval of the House.

Mr. BALDWIN

I cannot imagine that, if any definite agreement were come to, this House would not immediately be given an opportunity of expressing its opinion upon it.

Captain PETER MACDONALD

If any agreement is come to, are we committed to that agreement without discussion?

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

Is it not the case that, before any major treaty engagement has been ratified since the War, it has always been brought up for discussion in the House? Has not that been the practice of previous Governments, including the right hon. Gentleman's own Government?

Mr. BALDWIN

I do not know that any question of treaty arises. I think the whole question is only in its very early stages, and both Houses of Parliament are being kept acquainted with the progress as it is made.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Will the Lord President bear in mind that about the middle of July we are going to separate for 3½ months?

Mr. BALDWIN

For aught that we know, the gentlemen at Geneva are going to do the same. We shall know, before the House rises, where we are.