§ 46. Mr. MABANEasked the Prime Minister whether the recent speech by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the American journalists to the effect that the American War Debt must be treated as an isolated problem is now to be regarded as representing the policy of the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy right, hon. Friend made no such statement. On the contrary his speech was primarily concerned with considerations other than war debts affecting the present world depression, but he made it plain, in answer to questions, that while he did not regard the discussion of war debts as an occasion for bargaining he was anxious that all questions which delay world recovery should be discussed by the two Governments in a spirit of co-operation for a common end.
§ 47. Mr. MABANEasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government, while discussing with the United States of America other matters of economic importance, to preserve the discussion on war debts in isolation; and whether he will give an assurance that in those discussions the cancellation of war debts will be treated not as a concession to us but as an act to the mutual and equal benefit of the United States of America and of this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer my hon. Friend to the full statement which I made on Monday last in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Booth by). I do not think that it would be desirable for me to say more pending the forthcoming discussions.
§ Mr. MABANEIs the Prime Minister aware that in very responsible quarters, 1000 both in this country and America, his statement on Tuesday has been interpreted in an opposite sense to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and will he assure the House that no such contradiction exists?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is perfectly true, and I hope the answer I have just given will remove that misunderstanding.
§ Mr. LANSBURY(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to assure the House that, before a Government delegation is sent to Washington to confer with the United States Government on War debts and world economic problems he will, in circumstances which will permit debate, make a statement outlining the broad principles of the policy the Government proposes to pursue.
§ The PRIME MINISTERTo agree to my right hon. Friend's request before we have had at least preliminary discussions with the United States Government would obviously not conduce to a successful outcome of those discussions, and I cannot, therefore, give the assurance asked for in the question.
§ Mr. LANSBURYI understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that he wishes for preliminary discussions. What I am asking for is that this House, before the vital discussions take place, shall have an opportunity of knowing what is in the Government's mind, and be able to discuss these questions.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am very much obliged to my right hon. Friend for his explanation. In dealing with this question of the Government delegation, I assumed that he meant now. My reply only refers to now, and perhaps my right hon. Friend will be good enough to repeat his question later on.