HC Deb 24 October 1932 vol 269 cc582-3
19. Sir ASSHETON POWNALL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make a statement as to the position of the negotiations with regard to the suggested Four Power Conference?

24. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to take any further steps, and, if so, what, to bring about the Four Power Conference on the threat of the present German Government to re-arm?

Sir J. SIMON

The House will recall that, in order to overcome the difficulty which had arisen at Geneva in connection with the further progress of the Disarmament Conference, the British Government proposed a meeting between representatives of Germany, France, Italy and this country. We indicated at the same time that we were prepared for that meeting to take place in London. The British proposal was accepted in principle by all the other Powers, but a difficulty has unfortunately arisen as to the place of meeting. The French Government urged that this should take place in Geneva and the Italian Government, while willing to meet in London, expressed their concurrence. The German Government, however, has raised objection to this course, and no agreement as to place has so far been reached. His Majesty's Government, however, do not intend to let the matter drop.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the threat of the German Government to re-arm is one that His Majesty's Government take seriously, and whether there is any risk of this re-arming taking place before the Disarmament Conference has concluded its labours?

Sir J. SIMON

The future developments of this situation are being most anxiously and carefully considered from every point of view. One of the reasons why we hope to get an exchange of views is because we want to get the situation cleared up so as to secure that no re-armament shall take place in the meantime.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Have the Germans made it clear that they will do nothing until a certain time, or is their position absolutely nebulous?

Sir J. SIMON

I have not heard any very definite statement on that point.