§ Mr. GOLDMANasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statement made by the Imperial Chancellor in the German Reichstag, on Thursday last, to the effect that before the "Panther" reached Agadir the British and other Governments were officially informed of the expedition; that they were at the same time informed that Germany's action was not directed to any territorial seizure in Morocco; that after the Mansion House speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 21st July, the German Government informed the British Government that the negotiations pending with France in no way affected British interests, and that if the British Government thought otherwise they were invited to communicate through the usual diplomatic channels; that the British Government made no reply, and expressed no desire to take part in the negotiations; whether, in view of these official statements, the Government will explain whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer's speech was made with the full approval of the Government, and, if so, what was the justification for the speech, and why was no reply made to the German representations on this subject; and whether, in view of the feeling in both countries, he will take an early opportunity of explaining the attitude of His Majesty's Government in the situation that has arisen?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Member's inquiry covers a number of matters of gravity and delicacy with which it is impossible to deal adequately in answer to a question. The Foreign Secretary will make a full statement in the debate which will shortly take place: I hope in next week.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would rather not express an opinion on that point.