HC Deb 10 November 1943 vol 393 c1124
17. Major Petherick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the names of the six States which paid their full contributions to the League of Nations out of the 45 States which are members; and how long a defaulting State may be considered to remain a member?

Mr. Law

Yes, Sir. The following six countries paid their full contribution in 1942: United Kingdom, India, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. As regards the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Basingstoke (Squadron-Leader Donner) on 27th October.

Major Petherick

As the League of Nations has now become almost entirely supported by the British Empire, would not a permanent Imperial Conference serve a more useful purpose?

Mr. Law

I would not like to leave the impression with my hon. and gallant Friend that it is only these countries who have made their contribution. In addition to the countries I mentioned four countries not called upon to contribute have made token payments, and various other countries have paid up their arrears of contributions. In general I think it would be a great mistake to do anything to weaken an institution to which it is obvious His Majesty's Governments in all the Dominions attach so much importance.

Mr. Mander

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he could publish a list of Members of this House who failed to give their contribution in support of the League in accordance with the promise made at the last General Election?

Mr. Lawson

Are these Questions an indication of the Conservative attitude towards international arrangements?

Sir Joseph Nall

How much longer is it proposed to continue the silly farce of Geneva?

Mr. Gallacher

You fellows liked Munich much better than Geneva.