HC Deb 01 December 1926 vol 200 cc1163-6
3. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the express proviso in Clause 13 of the Trade Agreement between Great Britain and the Russian Soviet Republic to the effect that if either of the parties to the agreement infringes the conditions referred to in the preamble of the agreement by conducting propaganda against the other then such other party shall immediately be free from the obligations of the agreement; and if he will inform the House why this Clause has not been acted upon, in view of the admittedly negative results of the repeated protests which have been made on behalf of His Majesty's Government to the Soviet Charge d'Affaires in this respect?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government are not unmindful of the terms of the Trade Agreement. If they have not hitherto exercised the right therein reserved to them, it is because, viewing the situation as a whole, they have not thought it expedient to do so. They reserve to themselves liberty to act at any time as and when in their opinion British interests require a decision.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the weakness of the Foreign Office in not insisting on the observance of the expressed terms of this Agreement is held by those best able to judge as largely responsible for the damage to our trade in China, which has been caused by Russian agents?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No one regrets more than I do that my hon. Friend and I differ on this question, but it would be indelicate for me to express an opinion as to which of us is best informed.

Mr. WALLHEAD

May I ask whether the terms of the Agreement do not lay it down that, if there is considered to be any breach of the Agreement, representations will be made by either party to the head of the Government concerned; and, if that is so, may T ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has represented to the Soviet Government that there has been a breach of the Agreement?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir. At every interview I have had with their representative in this country I have made that representation.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain cases those who run can read, and is it not a well-known fact that our trade, in China has been dissipated and destroyed by reason of Bofshevik intrigue, and that this does not require any special knowledge?

Mr. TAYLOR

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the dates and the grounds on which he has made specific complaints to the representatives of the Soviet Government?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Not from memory, but the dates will be supplied by the Under-Secretary of State if the hon. Member thinks them of interest. It has been on every occasion on which I have had an interview with the Soviet representative in London.

Mr. BASIL PETO

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to what degree of hostile action on the part of the Soviet Government would justify the Foreign Office in taking action?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, we should be justified on the facts as now known to us in breaking off, if we thought it expedient to do so. His Majesty's Government, reviewing the whole situation, and while reserving their freedom to act as and when they think British interests require, have not thought it desirable hitherto to take that course.

Colonel GRETTON

May I ask whether, in view of the anxiety not only in this House but in the country, there will be an early opportunity for the right hon. Gentleman, as Foreign Secretary, to explain the whole matter to the House?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Any questions about business of the House, as my right hon. Friend knows, must be answered by the Prime Minister. I explained the position fully late in the summer, very near to the Adjournment. At this moment I am going away for a week or 10 days, but I shall be back before the House rises.

Colonel GRETTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Prime Minister of the desire which has been clearly indicated in the House to-day that there should be an occasion for explanation?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, and I will make representations to-day.

Mr. TAYLOR

Would it not be better to enter into a conference to clear up' all the questions outstanding between this country and Russia?