§ 12. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has recently had any communications with the Italian Government in regard to the question of alterations in the constitution, powers, or procedure of the League of Nations?
§ 16. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make a statement on the attitude of the head of the Italian Government towards the League of Nations; and if any representations have been made to His Majesty's Government on behalf of the Italian Government on the subject of reform in the administration of the League?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)His Majesty's Government have received no official communication on this subject 9 from the Italian Government. I have no statement to make on the matter at present.
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONMay I ask whether the Government are formulating their own policy in regard to the reform of the League of Nations, and, if so, when they will be in a position to put it before this House?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe right hon. Gentleman may be assured that the matter is receiving the most careful and prompt attention of His Majesty's Government. I could not say when it would be in the public interest to make a statement.
§ Mr. HANNONHas my right hon. Friend not seen the statements in the public Press that the Fascist Council in Rome passed a definite resolution that there should be a reform in the constitution if Italy were to continue a member of the League?
§ Sir J. SIMONI understand that the position taken up by the Fascist Grand Council is not to be interpreted except as a step to open discussions.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the leading article on the subject in the "Times" this morning, and will he consider the point of view put forward there rather than the point of view put forward by the Fascist Grand Council?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am ready to consider any point of view.