Mr, Ramsay MacDonald intervened ud asked if Sir Austen meant that no such claim could be admitted in March, Sir Austen replied "No," adding that the Government would have preferred that those further questions should not be raised at pro-sent, But if 2 way to peace be found by common agreement for particular admission, they certain. ly would not impose or reject that admission on the ground that they Would have preferred to discuss the question in September,—(Labour levies of Oh!), The Foreign Secretary went on to say that, if he pleaded with his countrymen' to allow their rep: sentative some latitude at the dis cussions, it was because he wanted ty stretch out a hand to others, and See them stretch out their hands to him: not to have his hands tisd s0 that his friendliest gesture was futile, He cited the speech of Vandervelde urging that the Belgian delegates be unfettered. Sir Austen said Mr. Vandervelde had indicated his general attitude. (Labour eries of "Why don't you? He was quite frank).
Sir Austen concluded by appealing: to the House to leave him free to meet his friends and colleagues on the Great Council of Nations to seek a solution, without renewing of Prolonging difficulties, nor eventing or increasing suspicion, but making the meeting another step to progress, reconciliation and appease Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.