HC Deb 23 February 1931 vol 248 cc1740-1
30. Captain EDEN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is. yet in a position to make any statement as to the course of negotiations between Mr. Craigie and the French Government; and whether the other Powers signatory to the London Treaty have been invited to collaborate in them?

Mr.-DALTON

My right hon. Friends, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the First Lord of the Admiralty, left London for Paris this morning in order to continue discussions with the French. Government on the naval question. The House will, I am sure appreciate that, in these circumstances, I am unable to make any further statement at present. The other Powers signatory to the London Treaty have been kept informed of these developments.

Captain EDEN

Can the hon. Gentleman, at least, assure us that the Foreign Secretary and the First Lord of the Admiralty have gone in a purely advisory capacity, and that there is no question of any further concessions or guarantees, whether explicit or implicit, by this country?

Mr. DALTON

I hope that the hon. and gallant Member will not press me to answer this or any other supplementary question on this subject at the present moment. If he will wait for a day or two, I am sure that we shall be able to give him a full account of all that has been done.

Commander SOUTHBY

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the United States and Japanese Governments have been officially informed of this?

Mr. DALTON

Yes, Sir; they have been kept informed of these developments; telegrams were sent off as soon as this decision was taken.