§ 37. Mr. MANDERasked the Prime Minister the present position with regard to the naval conversations preliminary to the Naval Conference of 1935; what countries are participating; where the conference is to be held; and whether a definite demand for parity has been put forward by Japan?
§ The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)Preliminary conversations have begun with representatives of the United States of America. The Governments of France, Japan and Italy have also agreed to participate in bilateral conversations. No decision has yet been taken as to the place where the 1935 conference is to be held, and no demand for parity has been put forward by the Japanese Government. I am not prepared for the present to give any information in regard to the course of these confidential discussions.
§ Mr. MANDERIs the right hon. Gentleman able to make any statement with reference to the many statements that have appeared indicating that we have suggested a possible increase in 1124 British Navy Estimates to the United States Government?
§ Mr. BALDWINNo, Sir; that might mean daily statements, and I have not time to make them.
§ Mr. MANDERMay I press this point? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of interest and anxiety in the country as to whether we have made any definite suggestion to the United States? Is he not in a position really to say whether there is any foundation for it or not?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe conversations are entirely confidential, and there is no shorter road to failure in any conference than telling before the time is ripe what has or has not been done.
§ Mr. MAXTONMay we have the assurance that the present Government will not make any decision which will tie the hands of their successors on this matter?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not the case that a great deal of interest is being taken on the Clyde in the question whether this is or is not true?