§ 6. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to negotiate a formal treaty of commerce and navigation between the British Government and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, in accordance with the pledges given to the House of Commons so long ago as February, 1934, when they approved a provisional trade agree-bent with Russia on the assurance that the same was only of a temporary character pending the completion of negotiations for a formal treaty, which would contain provisions dealing with the question of compensation to British nationals in respect of property belonging to them which had been apropriated by the Soviet authorities?
§ Sir S. HOARENo suitable opportunity has yet arisen for taking the step suggested by my hon. Friend, but I can assure him that the matter is under continual consideration by His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill my right hon. Friend remember that in his review of foreign affairs last week he stated that our relations were very satisfactory, not to say cordial? Can he explain why no steps have been taken to start negotiations for a formal treaty, especially as definite promises were given to creditors that when the formal treaties were negotiated the question of their claims would be dealt with?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe hon. Member must use the words that I myself actually used. In any case, we are ready to take the first good opportunity that arises. At present no such opportunity has arisen.
§ Sir W. DAVISONSurely it is our business to initiate the opportunity seeing that our nationals are concerned, and what is the object of registering these claims if nothing is done?