HC Deb 16 June 1924 vol 174 cc1713-4
20. Mr. HANNON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a date has yet been fixed for the termination of the Anglo-Soviet Conference; and whether he will indicate the progress which has been made during the sittings which have taken place?

The PRIME MINISTER

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the third part of the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. A. T. Davies) on the 5th June. With regard to the second part, I can only repeat that I intend to make a full statement to the House when the negotiations have reached a stage which justifies my reporting to Parliament upon them.

Mr. HANNON

Will that statement indicate the limitation of the period of time for which the Conference is to sit?

The PRIME MINISTER

I want the Conference to have as much time as is necessary, in order to cover the very wide and complicated ground, which also necessitates that certain sections of the Conference should engage in negotiations with interests outside the Government.

Viscount CURZON

Could the Prime Minister, at any rate, give us an assurance that before the House rises in August, or whenever it does rise, we shall have a statement about this Conference?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

When the right hon. Gentleman speaks of interests outside the Government, does he mean that negotiations are going on between those interests and the delegation with regard to pre-War debts?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am very anxious that everyone should be satisfied, if a satisfactory arrangement is going to be come to at all. All the interests concerned are being consulted with a view to coming into agreement.

Commander BELLAIRS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is at the head of the Russian Delegation now?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am very sorry that some organs of the Press, at any rate, do not seem to try to help us. I can assure the House that no communication of any kind, either direct or indirect, has been made to me regarding the change of the head of the Delegation.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate a satisfactory termination of the negotiations?