HC Deb 17 December 1928 vol 223 cc2613-5
47. Mr. PONSONBY

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to a speech delivered in Moscow on the 11th December by Mr. Litvinov dealing with the foreign policy of the Soviet Government, in which acceptance of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries was stated as the base of existing trading and diplomatic relations between Russia and other countries; and whether His Majesty's Government would he prepared to consider a resumption of diplomatic and trade relations with the Soviet Government on the basis of a guarantee that the establishment of such relations would carry with it the strict- est observance of the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of this country?

59. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the statement made by Mr. Litvinov on Tuesday last regarding economic relations between this country and Russia; and whether His Majesty's Government is now prepared to make such a statement in reply as will lead to improved trade relations between the two countries?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Austen Chamberlain)

I have been asked to reply to these questions. I would refer the hon. Members to the Prime Minister's speech at the Guildhall on the 9th November, 1927, wherein were set forth the conditions on which His Majesty's Government are prepared to resume relations with Russia. His Majesty's Government do not consider that Monsieur Litvinoff's speech in any way alters the situation.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman first of all, if it is usual to answer a, question by referring to a speech made on s. private occasion in the City of London and not in this House, and secondly, whether, seeing that. we took the initiative in rupturing relations, it is not on our initiative that a start should be made to mend them?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I have frequently heard answers to questions given in a similar form to that which I gave to-day, but I have myself already repeated in the House the exact words used by the Prime Minister on that occasion, and I could have referred the hon. and gallant Gentleman to my answer quoting those words had it been necessary. As regards the other points, His Majesty's Government have stated the conditions on which we shall be ready to resume negotiations, but those conditions have not yet been fulfilled.

Mr. TAYLOR

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether the recognition of Russia's liability for debts and compensation on the basis of the last article of the Trade Agreement of 1921 would be an acceptable basis for the beginning of negotiations providing a cate- gorical undertaking was given with regard to propaganda?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Sir, I think the first and most essential thing is that we should not merely have a categorical undertaking such as we had before about propaganda but proof that that undertaking is being kept.

Mr. TAYLOR

Could the right hon. Gentleman state what proof would be satisfactory to His Majesty's Government?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The complete cessation of the activities of which we have reason to complain.

Mr. THURTLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how the good faith of an undertaking can be put to the test until the relations are resumed?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, when the activities of which we complain cease, and then we can consider the resumption of relations.