HC Deb 30 October 1934 vol 293 cc27-8
55. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to the negotiations for an Eastern mutual assurance pact?

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. Eden)

Both the German and Polish Governments have indicated to the French Government, and it is understood also to the Soviet Government, certain difficulties which they see to the conclusion of the Mutual Guarantee Pact on the lines pro- posed last summer by the French and Soviet Governments as amended at the suggestion of His Majesty's Government. We have not been informed what action, if any, the French and Soviet Governments propose to take in response to these observations from Berlin and Warsaw.

Mr. MANDER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is proposed to proceed with the negotiations under this pact, or has it been abandoned?

Mr. EDEN

I think that depends on the French and Soviet Governments who are the originators of this proposal.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is it not much better to enter into no pacts since you never know how the circumstances may change?