§ 24. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether in view of his anxiety to promote peace and his apprehensions regarding the financial consequences of re armament, he will consider an approach to the United States of America Government on the possibility of summoning a conference of nations to discuss peace and disarmament?
§ 22. Mr. Capeasked the Prime Minister whether in order to give effect to his ex pressed desire for peace in the world, he is prepared to take steps on behalf of this country to call a world conference to discuss the matter?
§ 25. Mr. Leslieasked the Prime Minister whether he will, in association with the President of the United States, take steps to convene a world conference to consider the removal of economic and political grievances which imperil the peace of the world?
32. Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will, at an early date, take the lead and call a world economic conference to consider the removal of economic and political grievances which imperil peace?
33. Mr. Whiteleyasked the Prime Minister what steps he proposes to take after the passing of the Defence Loans Bill to bring the present world race in armaments to an end and commence the building of a stable peace?
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government believe that permanent peace can only be secured by a settlement which includes a limitation of armaments and the removal of barriers to international trade. I have more than once stated my view that before a World Conference could be summoned to deal with such 891 questions, a considerable amount of preliminary preparation would be necessary, and I have explained the reasons why I do not consider that the time has yet arrived when such a conference would be a practical proposition.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not the method outlined in these questions more calculated to promote peace than the policy of the piling up of armaments and unilateral appeasement; and will the right hon. Gentleman say what are the preliminary investigations and inquiries that are being made in this direction?
§ The Prime MinisterAs the House is aware, I am extremely anxious to promote a general settlement, including the questions I have mentioned. As soon as ever I think it possible to convene a conference, with any chance of success, I shall certainly take steps to do so.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether at any time he has put himself into communication with the Government of the United States of America on this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, but I shall do so when I think it will be useful.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIs it not interesting to observe the change in the opinion of the Opposition, who have now, apparently, come round to the view ex pressed by the hon. Member for Burslem (Mr. MacLaren)?