§ 48. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether his speech adumbrating a renewal of relations with Russia has yet received any response from the Russian Government; and whether he proposes to take any more steps in the matter in view of the fact that a resumption of relations must take place at Geneva?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to both parts of this question is in the negative.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODArising out of that negative answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is not convinced that it would be in the interests of the trade of this country that the proposals adumbrated in his speech should be carried out, and, if so, is he taking any steps whatever to bring about that desirable arrangement?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf I may use that word, I adumbrated the conditions under which we would be prepared to consider resuming relations. When those conditions are acceded to, it may be possible to make progress—not otherwise.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMust the starts in any fresh arrangement' come from the other side? Is it impossible for us to-open up negotiations in view of the effect upon the trade of this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe have not yet had any assurance that the Russian Government would cease to interfere in our internal affairs.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIf we want to communicate with the Russian Government, how is it done, and if they want to communicate with us, how is that done?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI suppose through the usual channels.