HC Deb 10 February 1930 vol 235 cc9-10
21. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the subjects he has recently discussed with the Soviet Ambassador, and make a statement on the general position of the proposed treaty?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

In pursuance of the decision of this House, the negotiations with the Soviet Ambassador cover all the subjects enumerated in Clause 1 of the protocol of 3rd October. It is as yet much too early to make any general statement on the progress of the negotiations.

Sir K. WOOD

Has the right hon. Gentleman made further representations to the Soviet Ambassador as to the religious persecution now going on—has he represented the overwhelmingly deep feeling of the people of this country on the matter?

Mr. HENDERSON

That scarcely arises out of the question.

Sir K. WOOD

Surely the right hon. Gentleman, in his own interest, is going to reply to a grave matter of this kind?

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue one of his mild rebukes?

Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Has it not always been the pride of this country that we protest against religious persecution in every land?