On 30 July, the day that the three naval Powers were informed of the Anglo-French compromise, the House of Commons discussed aspects of British foreign policy. On the verge of a severe illness, Chamberlain was pressured about the supposed failure of the Preparatory Commission; to enhance the government's disarmament record he disclosed the existence of the compromise, indicating that the proposals were being despatched to the principal naval Powers and could not be elaborated at that time. Despite the excuse of ill health, Chamberlain erred in making this statement. He had not had clearance from the Cabinet and, because of time-zone differences, the other Powers would not see the proposals for some hours. On 31 July the foreign secretary collapsed because of his poor condition and Cushendun took his place. This did not occur before that unfortunate Commons' statement set in train the events that created the crisis in Anglo-American relations which preoccupied Baldwin's government during the winter of 1928–29.