§ 71. Mrs. COPELANDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the announcement by Mrs. Corbett Ashby, at a meeting of the General Commission of the Disarmament Conference, to the effect that the British Government could not be expected to adhere to the proposed new regional agreements on security in Europe; upon whose authority this statement was made; and whether it correctly indicates the attitude of His Majesty's Government?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)The statement referred to was as follows:
It will be understood that the United Kingdom, in consenting to contribute a member to the Committee on Security, is not contemplating that the further agreements of the nature of regional security agreements to be concluded in Europe would be agreements to which the United Kingdom is a party. The United Kingdom has already become a party to the regional security agreement of Locarno, and understands that the agreements now contemplated for other parts of Europe would be between other parties. On this understanding, the United Kingdom is quite willing, if desired, to contribute a member to the committee.This statement was made on my authority and represents the attitude of His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. PETHERICKDoes my right hon. Friend think it prudent to appoint as a representative of His Majesty's Government a person who, as I understand, is 554 not a civil servant and certainly not a Member of the Government?
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTHas it not long been the custom to appoint eminent women to this position?
§ Sir J. SIMONI do not think anything arises from my answer which involves any comment on Mrs. Corbett Ashby. Her statement was in full accord with the policy of His Majesty's Government.