§ 2. Sir CYRIL COBBasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the prospectus of the Greek 7 per cent. loan of 1924 stated that the loan is under the direct control of the 337 International Financial Commission; will he state whether Great Britain is a party to the International Financial Commission; whether any British official of the League of Nations recommended the League of Nations to take control of this loan; and if he will ask for an explanation of the recommendation?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am aware that the prospectus of the Greek 7 per cent. loan of 1924 contains the statement to which my hon. Friend refers. The International Financial Commission at Athens includes a British member. As regards the third part of the question, as was pointed out in the reply to my hon Friend, the Member for the West Derby Division of Liverpool (Sir J. Sandeman Allen) on 11th May, His Majesty's Government are not responsible for proposals made to the League by advisers appointed by it, whether these advisers are of British nationality or not.
Lieut.-Colonel J. SANDEMAN ALLENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great error of judgment was made by these advisers and that it has been very detrimental to the League of Nations?
§ Sir J. SIMONI must emphasise the answer which I have already given. It would not be proper to address inquiries to an adviser to the League of Nations, merely because he happened to be a British subject.
§ Sir P. HARRISWill the whole matter be discussed at the next meeting of the council of the League?
§ Colonel GRETTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in fact, the League of Nations has any control over these loans?
§ Sir J. SIMONOnly in the sense that by the terms of the loans there are various conditions one of which refers to the International Financial Commission.