HC Deb 07 December 1925 vol 189 cc31-2
59. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the Commissioner for Foreign Affairs in the Government of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics has recently visited Paris and has held conferences with the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the French Government; and whether, in view of his proximity to London, he will take the opportunity to hold similar conferences with the Russian Commissioner for Foreign Affairs with a view to the settlement of outstanding questions?

Mr. McNEILL

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part, His Majesty's Government have not received any indication that M. Tchitcherin desires to hold such conferences nor that his Government are prepared to make those concrete proposals for a settlement of outstanding questions without which any further conferences would serve no useful purpose.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it necessary for M. Tchitcherin to have asked for such a meeting? Would it not have been possible for the Foreign Office to invite him to a conference?

Mr. McNEILL

Yes, Sir; it is necessary.