HC Deb 10 June 1931 vol 253 cc986-7
5. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement concerning his recent conversations with the German Chancellor and Foreign Minister?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

I understand that the Prime Minister is answering questions on this subject to-day, and I would ask the House to await his statement.

45. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister when he will be in a position to make a statement on the conversations with the Chancellor and Foreign Minister of the German Republic?

47. Mr. WISE

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to make a statement to the House regarding his recent discussions with German Ministers; and whether an early opportunity will be given the House for a discussion on the present position in relation to reparations and inter-Allied debts?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald)

As regards the scope of the discussions, I cannot add anything to the communique which was issued on Sunday evening at the close of the Chequers visit. These discussions took, as had always been intended, the form of a general exchange of views, and no conclusions or decisions were reached other than those set forth in the communique. The German Chancellor has invited myself and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to pay a return visit to Berlin. His Majesty's Government have had great pleasure in accepting, but no date has yet been fixed I do not think that in existing circumstances a debate on the present position in relation to reparations and inter-Allied debts would be helpful.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In view of the very great importance of this matter, does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that the situation will be such that it will be possible to make a rather further statement in the future?

The PRIME MINISTER

No. I cannot anticipate any further official communique.

Mr. WISE

In regard to the latter part of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, is he aware that in this Parliament there has been no single general discussion on inter-Allied debts or reparation? Is not the matter of such importance that it ought to be discussed in this House?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, when the time comes.