§ 32. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Prime Minister whether, during the conversations which resulted in the Anglo-Italian Agreement, the British and Italian representatives came to an understanding as to what is implied by the phrase "a settlement in Spain"?
§ The Prime MinisterThe answer is in the negative.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherDoes that mean that negotiations of this importance were started and brought to a conclusion without the two parties to them ever arriving at any agreement as to the premises which formed the basis of the agreement?
§ The Prime MinisterThat would appear to be the effect of my answer.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs there any precedent for negotiations of this nature and an agreement being concluded without any agreement between the two parties on such a matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not made a search.
§ 33. Mr. Cocksasked the Prime Minister whether any information has been given to the Italian Government as to the meaning His Majesty's Government attaches to the phrase relating to a settlement in Spain?
§ The Prime MinisterSince the conclusion of the Anglo-Italian Agreement there have been confidential exchanges of views between the two Governments on the subject. But, as I stated in answer to a supplementary question by the Leader of the Opposition on 20th July, I have never committed myself to a complete, or even a partial, definition of this phrase.
§ Mr. CocksDoes that mean that the Italian Government is just as much in the dark as to His Majesty's Government's intentions as the House of Commons?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not know whether that is so or not. I do not know their state of mind.
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennDoes it mean that in the Recess the Prime Minister will be at liberty to implement the agreement by putting his own interpretation on what is meant by the term "a settlement"?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no change in the situation.
§ Mr. BennThat is not an answer to my question. I asked whether the Prime Minister considers himself at liberty to put his own interpretation on the phrase "a settlement"?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government are entitled to put their interpretation upon it.
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderWhat about the House of Commons?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerDo the Government consider themselves at liberty to bring into force an agreement of this importance without informing the House of Commons as to the meaning of an essential clause in it?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member will remember that, in answer to a supplementary question a few days ago, I said that I did not exclude the possibility that the House of Commons might have to be called together to consider the matter.