§ 17. Mr. E. J. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is prepared to accept and press for the internationalisation of all air forces as a means to avoid the multiplication of air-bombing schools and the serious consequences on the civil population?
§ Mr. EDENHis Majesty's Government desire by every practical means to avert the menace of attack from the air. In existing circumstances they consider that this would best be met by the conclusion of an air pact and the limitation of air armaments, and the hon. Member will be aware that this has been and remains their aim. The hon. Member will also recall that His Majesty's Government proposed at the Disarmament Conference that the best possible scheme should be worked out for the complete abolition of military aircraft, which should be dependent on the effective supervision of civil aviation.
§ 19. Mr. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government were prepared to 2398 accept and press the necessity of an European air pact which will not only lay down the principle of collective security but also a limitation of national air forces?
§ Mr. EDENHis Majesty's Government have repeatedly made it clear that they are anxious to secure the conclusion of an Air Pact between the Five Locarno Powers. They believe that such a pact will itself promote the principle of collective security. His Majesty's Government are also anxious to obtain a limitation of national air forces: and, whether in conjunction with an air pact or by other means, will continue to work for its attainment.