Mr. G. D. Hardie (Labour) asked whether the Government anticipat-fed that the Four-Power Treaty in regard to the Pacific would not be renewed in 1931, and whether the Government now considered the pre sent safeguards adequate, 'Mr. Austen Chamberlain, tary of State for Foreign' Affairs, replied that he was unable to anticipate any decision with regard this question, which would not arise till 1983. Nothing had hitherto occurred suggesting any doubt as re-ards the value of the Treaty or foreshadowing its non-renewal. The Government believed that the Treaty would facilitate a settlement of any difficulties arising between its signatories.
Mr. Hardie suggested thal, as the [Washington Agreement restricting armaments had made warfare in the Pacific very unlikely for the next 10 years, it would be better to observe the status quo rather than invite war by proceeding with the ¢|Singapore base, Chamberlain replied that the Singapore base had not been pro-waged. posed as a means for waging defensive or offensive, but a neces sary link of Imperial communication (cheers).
Mr, Hardie said that there were people in the Pacific who did not take the same point of view it was difference in point of view which led to war. (Labour cheers).
Mr. Chamberlain replied that that was exactly why Mr. Hardie should be very careful with regard to the colour he gave to these unfriendly
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.