HC Deb 29 January 1934 vol 285 cc6-7
8. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have now formulated a policy regarding the reform of the League of Nations?

7. Mr. DAGGAR

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received any proposals from the Italian Government for the revision of the Covenant of the League of Nations; and whether His Majesty's Government will give some indication of its policy for the guidance of other Governments which may be contemplating such revision?

9. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement regarding the question of strengthening the authority of the League of Nations; and whether he will report upon the progress of discussions on this subject?

Sir J. SIMON

His Majesty's Government take the view that any questions connected with the reform of the League are secondary to and successive upon the more immediate and urgent question of disarmament. As a result of the discussions which I was enabled to have on this subject some weeks ago with the head of the Italian Government, I am glad to be able to inform the House that this view has been confirmed by the Italian Government, and was also approved by the French Government. I may add that Signor Mussolini made it plain that the object of any proposals he might hereafter make would be to strengthen and make more efficient the machinery of the League. While, therefore, His Majesty's Government have the situation under careful consideration, pending the outcome of the efforts at present being undertaken to secure an agreed disarmament convention it is not their intention to take any present steps in the matter.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I want to ask the Foreign Secretary if he considers that it is possible under capitalism——

HON. MEMBERS

Order!