HC Deb 09 December 1936 vol 318 cc1971-2
3. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the announcement by the Belgian Prime Minister on 2nd December that Belgium is guaranteed support from Great Britain if attacked, but if Great Britain or others are attacked Belgium proposes to remain neutral; and whether he has any statement to make?

Mr. EDEN

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The Belgian Prime Minister, in his speech on 2nd December, did not say that, if Great Britain or others are attacked, Belgium proposes to remain neutral. On the contrary, he reiterated his country's fidelity to her obligations, both as regards the undertakings entered into with France and this country last March, and as regards the provisions of the League Covenant.

Mr. MANDER

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that any arrangement which exists or which may be made with reference to Belgium will be of a mutual kind?

Mr. EDEN

That is a further question on which I should require notice.