HC Deb 03 May 1922 vol 153 cc1317-8
5. Captain W. BENN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information was in the possession of the Foreign Office on 17th April last relative to the German-Russian Treaty concluded at Genoa?

Earl WINTERTON

None.

52. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Lord Privy Seal at what date the first intimations were received from our Ambassadors as to the negotiations between Russia and Germany; whether any request was sent for further information; and why the Foreign Office did not warn the Prime Minister of the impending treaty?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Leader of the House)

No information was received by His Majesty's Government, prior to the signature of the Treaty of Rapallo, to the effect that any negotiations had begun which might lead to the signature of such an Agreement in the immediate future. The second and third parts of the question do not therefore arise.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Did not my right hon. Friend tell the House only two days ago that His Majesty's Government did receive information? May not the House know exactly what the information was from the ambassadors to the Foreign Office and why it was not given to the Prime Minister?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I answered the question two days ago, but my hon. Friend does not quote my answer correctly, and perhaps he will be good enough to refer to it.

Colonel CLAUDE LOWTHER

Is there any truth in the report widely circulated in to-day's Press that the Prime Minister has notified M. Poincaré that this country would be ready to enter into an agreement with Russia, even without the sanction or consent of our gallant French allies?

Mr. SPEAKER

That has nothing to do with the question on the Paper.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Will my right hon. Friend lay all Papers on the Table in order that the House may know exactly all that has transpired between the ambassadors and the Foreign Office?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think that I answered that question.