§ 1. Mr. Woodburnasked the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared to propose to the League of Nations that it should set up a commission, at some suitable neutral place, to provide now an opportunity for a public investigation of all responsible proposals for conditions of permanent world peace, and for a judicial examination of the chief economic, territorial and racial problems which make for war, and to discover whether there are principles for the peaceful settlement of international disputes which are generally acceptable by all nations?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)The hon. Member's ultimate aims are no doubt widely shared; but by Noble Friend is not convinced that the precise method which he proposes is the best under present circumstances.
§ Mr. WoodburnWould the Minister consider the difficulty of a Government, engaged in conducting a war and utilising all their energies, being able to give consideration to the problems which must be solved if any peace is to be permanent?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir.
Sir Nairne Stewart SandemanWould my right hon. Friend believe the signature of certain people to any peace transaction just now?
§ Mr. ButlerWe know what importance to attach to certain signatures.