HC Deb 14 November 1934 vol 293 cc1938-9
11. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make regarding his conversations with Herr von Ribbentrop?

Mr. EDEN

At the request of the German Embassy arrangements were made for Herr von Ribbentrop to see my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and myself. These interviews took place accordingly at the Foreign Office yesterday and on Monday. Nothing, however, transpired beyond a friendly conversation: no new proposals were put forward and no fresh developments arose out of the interviews.

Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Has my right hon. Friend seen the report that the nature and object of such re-armament as is proceeding in Germany was discussed at these meetings?

Mr. EDEN

Yes, Sir, I have seen the report to which my hon. Friend refers. It is without foundation and no such statements as those alleged were made. These interviews did not go beyond the extent of my answer, and I should deprecate their being given political significance which they did not merit.

Mr. THORNE

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that these private conferences cause a good deal of suspicion in the minds of other nations unless the nature of the conversations is made public?

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