§ 5. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state, with reference to the discussion that took place in the Air Committee of the Disarmament Conference in the early part of this year with respect to the French proposals for an international police force, what States expressed themselves in favour of the proposal, which were against, and which expressed no opinion?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe Air Committee set up by the General Commission on the 16th February, 1933, consisted of the representatives of the following countries:
Argentine, Belgium, United Kingdom, Canada, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Nether- 1275 lands, Norway, Poland, Siam, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United States of America, Yugoslavia.
Of these, the only speakers on the subject of the international air police were the representatives of France, Belgium, United Kingdom, Netherlands, India, Norway, Germany and Yugoslavia. While the sense of the Belgian delegate's remarks was comparatively favourable to the French proposals, the other speakers, with the exception, of course, of the French representative, did not commit themselves on this subject, but confined themselves to expressing certain doubts and queries.
§ Mr. MANDERCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these proposals in any form are still before the Disarmament Conference?
§ Sir J. SIMONI require notice of that question.
§ 46. Mr. MANDERasked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed that any Minister should during the Recess officially visit European capitals in connection with the disarmament discussions; and whether he will consider inviting the Lord President of the Council to undertake this task?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)No. Sir; it is not proposed that any Minister should during the Recess officially visit European capitals in connection with disarmament. As, however, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is taking his Christmas holiday in Italy, it is possible that he may take any opportunities that arise of seeing members of the Governments through whose capitals he may happen to pass.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes not my right hon. Friend think that it might be advisable to try a change of bowler; does he not think that the Lord President of the Council is the straightest bowler in his team?