HC Deb 18 July 1929 vol 230 cc619-20
50. Captain CROOKSHANK

asked the Prime Minister seeing that he cannot publish the correspondence without their consent, whether he is consulting the Dominions Governments with regard to the publication of their replies to His Majesty's Government on the subject of the resumption of relations with Russia?

Mr. DALTON

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the statements made by the Prime Minister on 11th July and 15th July, in reply to questions put by the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Smithers) and the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Birmingham West (Sir A. Chamberlain). It would be premature at this stage to consult His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions as regards laying papers.

Captain CROOKSHANK

is the hon. Gentleman aware that when these replies were given I put a specific question to the Prime Minister, asking whether the Dominions had consented to the negotiations being opened, or whether His Majesty's Government are now acting on their own or on behalf of the whole Empire?

Mr. SMITHERS

Can the hon. Member give an assurance that these replies or the decisions of the Dominion Governments will be made known to this House before decisive action is taken with regard to the resumption of diplomatic relations?

Mr. DALTON

The lion. Member had better read the statement of the Prime Minister, to which I have referred him in my answer.

Captain CROOKSHANK

I have not only read that statement, but I was here when it was made, and no answer was given to the question.

Mr. DALTON

In the latter part of my answer the hon. and gallant Member will find that in our view, it is premature at the moment to approach the Dominion Governments on this subject. I have nothing to add to that answer.

Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMP-SON

What is there exactly to conceal?