1. Mr. Menderasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position of the League of Nations consequent on the resignation of the Secretary-General; in whom the direction exists at the present moment; whether it is intended that any sections of the League of Nations should be transferred from Switzerland to other countries; and, if so, to which, and under what conditions?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)The resignation of M. Avenol has not yet become effective; the second part of the Question does not therefore arise. Proposals are being worked out for the transfer of personnel of certain sections of the Secretariat from Geneva, to facilitate the continuance of the social and economic work of the League. Personnel of the International Labour Office have already been transferred to Canada. It will be possible to make a fuller statement at a later date.
§ Mr. ManderIs the International Labour Office the only section that has so far been transferred?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.
§ Sir Francis FremantleIs the International Labour Office carrying on its work in London or in Geneva?
§ Mr. ButlerIt will carry on its work, but not in London.
Miss RathboneCould not the work of the League of Nations be carried on informally in this country, where representatives of most of the interested countries are now concentrated?
§ Mr. ButlerI see the force of the hon. Lady's question, but alternative arrangements are in mind. If she will await the fuller statement which I propose to make when the arrangements are further forward, she will see that the arrangements will be effective.