§ 45. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether he has received any offer from the Soviet Government to the effect, as stated by M. Rykov, President of the Council of Peoples' Commissars, that the Soviet Government hold it desirable and possible to remove by negotiations the present strained Anglo Russian relations; and whether His Majesty's Government has sent or intend making any response to such offer?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, there, has been no change in this respect since I answered a similar question by the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Taylor) on the 8th of December of last year.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the Under-Secretary seen the speech of Mr. Rykov on this subject in which he makes the offer?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONYes, but until the Soviet Government really show that they are prepared to stop their propaganda against this country I do not think it is really any use trying to enter into negotiations with them.
Commander WILLIAMSCan the Under-Secretary say whether the perpetual increase of Soviet armaments is any evidence that they wish for peace?
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the Soviet Government have ever withdrawn their repudiation of British private and public debts?
§ Major COLFOXWill the Under-Secretary use what endeavours he can to persuade Members of the Opposition to influence their friends in Russia to behave like civilised people?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEMay I ask whether the Under-Secretary is taking into account the entry of Russia into the Economic Conference at Geneva as an indication of the desire of that country to enter into more harmonious relations with other countries?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is another question, of which notice should be given.