HC Deb 11 March 1925 vol 181 cc1316-8
48. Mr. PONSONBY

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a statement made before the Soviet Central Executive Committee at Tiflis by the Commissar for Foreign Affairs, M. Tchitcherin, in which he commented on the statement made in this House by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with regard to the resumption of negotiations with Russia and declared that the Soviet Government wished for peace and understanding with Great Britain and were always ready for negotiations; and whether His Majesty's Government will take advantage of this declaration to invite the Soviet Government to formulate suggestions on which negotiations may be reopened?

5. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the speech of M. Tchitcherin, People's Commissary for Foreign Affairs in the U.S.S.R., at the meeting of the Soviet Central Committee in Tiflis, in which he said that earnest attempts must. be made to reach agreement with Great Britain and that the Russian Government was ready for negotiations: and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Mr. R. McNEILL

The reply to the first part of both questions is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part, I can only repeat that His Majesty's Government will carefully examine any proposals put forward by the Soviet Government.

Mr. PONSONBY

Have the Soviet Government ever been informed of the points in the Treaties signed last year to which the present Government have taken objection?

Mr. McNEILL

I must ask for notice of that question.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

How can they get these proposals unless some conference takes place?

Mr. McNEILL

It is as easy for the Soviet Government to make proposals as it is for Ms Majesty's Government.

Captain BENN

Why did the Home Secretary say on Monday that the war between the world and the Soviet was definite?

Mr. McNEILL

The hon. and gallant Gentleman had better ask the Home Secretary.

Mr. WALLHEAD

Are there any obstacles in higher places in regard to the recognition of Russia?

Mr. McNEILL

I am afraid I did not catch that question.

Mr. SPEAKER

I should like to see that question on the Paper.