HC Deb 22 July 1929 vol 230 c888
16. Mr. R. A. TAYLOR

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received any reply in response to his invitation to the Russian Government to appoint a responsible representative to visit London; and if he has any statement to make on the matter?

31. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received a reply to his communication to the Soviet Government inviting a representative to come to this country; and, if so, can he state the name and official position of such representative and when he will arrive?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

No reply has yet been received from the Soviet Government, and consequently I have nothing to add to the statement which I made to the House on 15th July. The second part of the question put by the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Smithers) does not arise.

Mr. TAYLOR

Does the right hon. Gentleman hope to be able to make a statement on this matter before the House rises?

Mr. HENDERSON

That will depend upon whether I get any reply.

Mr. SMITHERS

Are we to understand that the British Government have initiated these negotiations, and that their initiations have bean entirely ignored? Can I have an answer?

Mr. HENDERSON

The hon. Member presses for an answer. I surely must wait a certain period of time, to give an opportunity to the Soviet Government to decide upon its policy. I have been long enough in this House to know that the British Government sometimes take a long time to make up their mind.

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