§ Mr. G. GIBSONasked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the countries which have intimated their intention to take part in the Tariff Truce Conference and the names of those who have refused; and if he has any information as to whether the Government of the United States of America intends to take part and, if not, can he state the reasons for such refusal?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe list of participating countries, together with the names of the countries which have declined to take part, are appended. I understand that the Government of the United States of America have intimated that they do not feel that they could at this time usefully participate in the Conference, but that they will send an observer. I am not aware of the reasons for this decision.
The Governments of the following countries have intimated to the League of Nations that they are prepared to participate in the Conference:
Austria. Japan. Belgium. Latvia. Bulgaria. Lithuania Czechoslovakia. Luxemburg. Denmark. Netherlands. Estonia. Norway. Finland. Poland. France. Portugal. Germany. Rumania. Great Britain. Spain. Greece. Sweden. Hungary. Switzerland. Irish Free State. Yugoslavia. Italy. The Governments of Australia, Canada, Egypt, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Venezuela have replied that they do not desire to take part in the Conference. The Governments of Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the United States of America will send observers.
§ Mr. O. LEWISasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the proposals 1201W for a tariff truce which the Government intend to submit to the forthcoming International Conference?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe preliminary draft Tariff Truce Convention, which has been prepared to serve as a basis for discussion at the Conference, was drawn up by the Economic Committee of the League of Nations. This draft has been published by the League of Nations, and copies are obtainable from the booksellers.