§ 20. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the recent speech of the head of the Italian State in connection with the withdrawal of Italy from membership of the League of Nations will have any effect on the policy of His Majesty's Government to seek to strengthen the League of Nations within all possible limits?
§ Mr. HendersonMay the House take it that it is still the policy of His Majesty's Government to strengthen the League of Nations?
Miss RathboneIs it not the case that on 6th August the French Government, when they appealed to Italy to join the Non-intervention Agreement, received a reply asking for moral solidarity, and it was never answered?
§ 8. Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the preparatory work of the League of Nations to secure economic recovery is now completed; and, if not, whether he will take steps to have such preparatory work accelerated?
§ Mr. EdenThe main preparatory work of the League of Nations in regard to economic recovery was completed by the reports presented last September by the Economic Committee and by the Raw Materials Committee. The Assembly last September endorsed the recommendations of these committees and invited the Financial and Economic Organisation to pursue
the study of the methods that could suitably be applied in order to carry them into practical effect.This study of the work is being pursued as rapidly as possible but progress in this field depends obviously on the extent to which the individual Governments are prepared to take action. In addition, the Economic Committee was invited to study a series of other questions including measures for raising the standard of living, demographic studies, international migration, and measures for the prevention or mitigation of economic depressions. The preparatory work on these subjects is not yet completed; but I am satisfied that progress is being made.
§ Mr. HendersonIn view of the fact that the present international tension is very largely due to economic causes, will the Foreign Secretary do what he can to expedite a study of this matter?
§ Mr. EdenYes, I think there will be general agreement that the Economic Committee of the League has done extremely good work, and we shall do all we can to expedite it.
§ 12. Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the League of Nations committee engaged in considering a revision of the League Covenant will make its report?
§ Mr. EdenThe Committee on the Application of the Principles of the Covenant is holding a further meeting next month. I am unable to forecast when a final report will be issued.
§ Mr. A. HendersonWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance to the House that no binding decision will be taken by His Majesty's Government that will have the effect of weakening the Covenant, without the approval of the House?
§ Mr. EdenAs far as I know, no immediate decision is contemplated, and even if it were, that clearly would be subject to ratification by the House.