§ Mr. STAMFORDasked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to take an early opportunity to approach the Governments of all the other States which are members of the League of Nations to try to get a general invitation sent to the Russian and German Governments to apply for membership of the League, together with a statement that in the event of the invitation being accepted these Governments will exert their influence to obtain both for Germany and Russia permanent seats on the League Council?
§ Mr. PONSONBYThe policy of His Majesty's Government, as indicated in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 12th instant, is generally in harmony with the object which underlies the proposals of the hon. Member. The Government must, however, retain discretion as to the measures by which this policy can best be furthered. The admission of a State to the League of Nations requires the assent of two-thirds of the members of the Assembly. The unanimous consent of the Council as well as the approval of the majority of the Assembly is required before a State can be added to the list of those of which the representatives shall always he members of the Council.