§ 6. Mr. Bellengerasked the Prime Minister what was the purpose of Mr. Ashton-Gwatkin's recent mission to Berlin; and, in particular, whether matters relating to the former German colonies and a limitation of armaments came under discussion?
§ Mr. ButlerMr. Ashton-Gwatkin visited Berlin in his capacity as Head of the Economic Section of the Foreign Office 1733 to renew personal contact with German officials and to exchange views with them on the general economic situation. No proposals relating to the German Colonies or to limitation of armaments were discussed.
§ Mr. BellengerWas not the purpose of this visit to make preliminary investigations in readiness for the visit of the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Board of Trade; and did not the German Government disclose their desire that a settlement of political questions should run concurrently with a settlement of trade questions?
§ Mr. ButlerI can only repeat what I have said, namely, that the object of this visit was to renew personal contact with German officials and exchange views on the general economic situation. I regret that I cannot add any more to the answer I have already given.