§ 3. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether conversations between representatives of the defence services of this country, France, and Germany, and the other signatories, have taken place or are contemplated in connection with steps which might have to be taken to carry out the Treaty of Locarno; and whether, in view of recent consultations of a similar nature in connection with Mediterranean security, action on the above lines will be taken?
§ Mr. MANDERBut if Locarno is to be an effective instrument, is it not essential that it should be worked out in detail on the technical side?
§ Mr. EDENThe hon. Gentleman is confusing two things. The inquiries of the Mediterranean Powers took place after a breach of the. Covenant.
§ Mr. MANDERIs it not better to make inquiries and to have arrangements made before rather than after?
§ 6. Mr. BELLENGERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether lie has received any representations from the German government on the Franco-Russian pact and, if so, of what nature; and whether the attitude of Germany to the Locarno Treaty is in any way modified by the arrangements embodied in the Franco-Russian pact?
§ Mr. EDENThe German Government informed the Powers signatory of the Treaty of Locarno on 25th May, 1935, of their view of the relation of the Franco-Russian Treaty of Mutual Assistance, signed on 2nd May, 1935, with the Treaty of Locarno. This attitude is re-explained and amplified in the German Government's communiqué of 21st February which was published in the London Press the following day.