§ 5. Mr. COCKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that a German fleet built up to the strength of 35 per cent. of the British Navy will dominate the Baltic, he has taken steps to ascertain the views of the Governments of Soviet Russia, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and other Baltic states, on the effect of the Anglo-German naval agreement?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe answer is in the negative. The Soviet Government were, however, informed officially of the terms of the agreement reached between His Majesty's Government and the German Government.
§ Mr. COCKSSeeing that by this agreement these small States will be placed at the mercy of Germany, does the British Government intend to propose an Eastern pact to guarantee the frontiers of those States?
§ Sir S. HOARENo, Sir. I do not at all admit the assumption of the hon. Member that these small States will be left at the mercy of Germany. I regard the agreement as good, not only for ourselves and Germany, but for all the naval Powers.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman know that this agreement is a complete violation of the Versailles Treaty and a violation of the Stresa Agreement? When the Minister for League of Nations Affairs returns from Paris and Rome, will a statement be made in this House?
§ Sir S. HOAREI think very probably a statement will be made, but I can admit neither of the assumptions in the hon. Member's supplementary question.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISWill particulars of this agreement be lodged at Geneva with the League of Nations, officially, and be brought to the attention of the Disarmament Conference?
§ Sir S. HOAREI think the hon. Baronet had better put the question on the Order Paper.
50. Mr. VYVYAN ADAMSasked the Prime Minister whether and, if so, when facilities will be granted for a Debate upon the Anglo-German naval negotiations and matters germane thereto?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to supplementary questions arising out of the reply to a question put by the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall) on Friday last.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLBefore we have a debate upon this matter, will the Prime Minister endeavour to secure the publication of the respective draft programmes of the two countries, without which consideration of the matter is very ineffective?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should doubt the utility of any general discussion at present.