§ 12. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the United States Secretary for War has repeated Mr. Cordell Hull's offer, on behalf of the United States Government, to co-operate with other nations with a view to securing an international agreement for the limitation of aerial bombardment; and whether His Majesty's Government will take the initiative and convene a conference for the purpose of securing such international agreement?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the United States Secretary for War, in 1516 a speech on 22nd June, stated that the United States were ever ready to cooperate with other nations for definite and permanent reductions and limitations in armaments. With regard to the views of His Majesty's Government on this matter I have nothing to add to my recent statements and, in particular, to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on 22nd June.
§ Mr. HendersonAs someone has to take the initiative in this matter, will not His Majesty's Government set the example by convening such a conference, or are we to be satisfied with speeches from both sides of the Atlantic?
§ The Prime MinisterIf we think a favourable opportunity presents itself and such a conference is likely to have a successful result, we shall be ready to do what we can.
§ Mr. ThorneIs it below the dignity of the right hon. Gentleman to make an effort to get such a conference together?