§ Mr. GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government propose to contribute to the Ciraolo scheme for a permanent international relief organisation; and, if so, whether any part of such funds will be devoted to the relief of the distress caused by the earthquakes in Bulgaria and Greece?
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Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONHis Majesty's Government in Great Britain have from the very first made it clear that their signature of the International Relief Union Convention is dependent on the practically unanimous acceptance of the scheme by the States members of the League of Nations. As they are not yet satisfied that this is the case they have not yet signed the Convention. The question will, however, be reconsidered shortly. The Convention is not yet in force, and the fund to be raised under the scheme cannot therefore be applied to the relief of distress caused by the recent earthquakes in Bulgaria and Greece. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that the entry into force of the Convention does not depend on the accession of His Majesty's Government. The Convention will become operative as soon as it has been ratified by 12 signatory Powers whose combined contributions amount to 600 shares.