§ 1. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the advisability, with a view to securing that any increase in armaments shall form an effective contribution to the collective system, of proposing that a conference on the organisation of collective security should be held by the 426 League of Nations with this object or, alternatively, that consultations shall take place between the countries principally concerned on the subject?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)The proposition that national armaments should serve to strengthen the system of collective security under the Covenant, and that that system should be made as effective as is possible in existing circumstances, is one with which His Majesty's Government are in full accord. I do not think, however, that the action suggested by the hon. Member would be practicable at the present time.
§ Mr. MANDERDo I understand there is to be no consultation at all with regard to what contribution this country is going to make towards collective security in connection with the Governments' rearmament plan?
§ Mr. EDENMy hon. Friend will recall that the Disarmament Conference had a somewhat similar object. I am afraid I cannot say what is the exact procedure to be used.
§ Mr. MANDERDo I understand there is to be no contact or consultation whatever with other countries in this respect?
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSCould my right hon. Friend say whether the Defence Forces will be used to defend us as well as everybody else?
§ Mr. ATTLEEIn view of the fact that we have been told in this House that we are to make a contribution to collective security, how is the right amount to be ascertained without any consultation? Who will decide?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs there to be no pooling?
§ Colonel GRETTONIs there any system of collective security in operation at this time?