question should be examined when we turn to the ques-
tion of the general reduction of armaments, which, as it
happens, is the very next item on our agenda. In that case,
the question of armed forces at home, far from being
forgotten, would on the contrary be discussed from every
aspect. Then the submission of the corresponding infor-
mation would help us to solve thai most important polit-
ical and practical problem, the general reduction of
armaments.
We have heard here that the United Nations organi-
zation and its Security Council must receive comprehen-
sive information regarding the armed forces of United
Nations. Senator ConnaQy has spoken of this* very elo-
quently, with the interesting gesticulation that we all
admire so much. The same idea has been warmly advo-
cated by Sir Philip Noel-Baker. A number of other dele-
gates have also expressed themselves in favour of this
proposal, which they find extremely tempting.
Well, then, just what is it that is being proposed to us?
We are told that the question of submitting informa-
tion regarding the armed forces of United Nations on
foreign territories is closely linked with the problem of
reducing armaments. In this connection it is declared, as
Sir Philip Noel-Baker declared yesterday, that the Soviet
delegation's proposal is too narrow, that it should be
extended—extended in the sense that information should
he submitted not only regarding troops abroad, but also
regarding the troops stationed within each country.
Let us see what follows when the question is put in
fhat way.
If we are called upon to link the question under dis-
cussion today with the problem of reducing armaments,
we shall have to speak not only of troops, wherever sta-
tioned* but also of every type of armament. If we desire
303