HC Deb 03 November 1938 vol 340 cc377-8W
Mr. Gallacher

asked the Prime Minister what assurance has been given to the Soviet Ambassador in London in reply to his protest against the view expressed by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at Horsham concerning the role of the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the recent crisis?

Mr. Ede

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the detailed answer made by the Soviet Embassy in London on 11th October to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at Shoreham, and subsequently repeated by him at Horsham, that Russia did not offer help in the Czechoslovakia crisis but only made vague promises owing to her military weakness; and what reply does he propose to make to it?

Mr. Ridley

asked the Prime Minister what reply he has given to the representations made on behalf of the Russian Government in connection with the statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at a meeting at Shoreham on the 10th October to the effect that the Russian Government did not offer help in the Czechoslovak dispute but only made very vague promises owing to her military weakness?

The Prime Minister

On 11th October the Soviet Ambassador called the attention of my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the remarks of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and I understand that the latter has since had an opportunity of discussing the matter in person with M. Maisky. I hope that any misunderstandings that may have arisen have now been cleared up.

Mr. Samuel

asked the Prime Minister what information he has as to whether the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics took any steps in the way of mobilisation of its army, navy, or air force prior to or during the recent crisis?

Mr. Butler

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Mr. Hicks

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the public statements made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 10th October and again on 12th October that during the recent crisis the Russian Government only made vague promises and did not make clear their intentions in the event of the outbreak of war and of the Russian Government's public refutation thereof through their Embassy in London, he will now publish as a White Paper full details of the communications that passed between the Russian Government and His Majesty's Government during the period referred to?

The Prime Minister

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge) on 5th October, to which I have nothing to add.