§ 36. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked whether the Polish Government consulted the Peace Conference before putting forward its territorial claims on its Eastern frontiers for acceptance by the Soviet Government of Russia; and whether His Majesty's Government is interesting itself in this settlement or taking any part in the negotiations?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn reply to the first part, of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, I am not aware that any claims have been put forward by the Polish Government for acceptance by the Soviet Government; as regards the second part, any settlement affecting the peace of Europe is naturally of interest to His Majesty's Government, even when, as in this ease, they are not taking any part in the negotiations concerned.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not a fact that the Polish Government is claiming the right to extend its frontiers to the furthermost limit ever held by the Turkish Empire in the past?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know that.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIf we are prepared to support Poland in view of attack from the East are we not very interested in this country, and will not representations be made advising the Turkish Government to consult us closely on this subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know that I can usefully add anything to what 890 I have adready said. I have fully explained the attitude of the Government on this subject.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAm I to understand from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that the British Government have been consulted by the Polish Government before sending their reply to the Russian Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI rather think so, but I cannot for the moment recollect the particular communication, and whether I can roughly characterise it as a consultation.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay we take it that the right hon. Gentleman himself is watching these negotiations, and not leaving it entirely to the Foreign Office to carry them on?