§ Mr. ATTLEE (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with regard to a forthcoming meeting between the representatives of France, Belgium and the United Kingdom?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir. I am happy to tell the House that as the result of exchanges of views through the diplomatic channel, it has been decided that a meeting between the representatives of France, Belgium and the United Kingdom shall take place in London on Thursday, 23rd July. An agreed communiqué is being issued this afternoon in the following terms:
As a result of the exchange of views foreshadowed in the communiqué issued in Geneva on 4th July, relating to a further meeting of the Powers whose representatives drew up the London arrangement of 19th March, the Governments of France, Belgium and the United Kingdom have now decided to hold a meeting in London of their representatives on 23rd July. The object of this meeting will be to examine the situation and to consider how best to further the desire of the three Powers to consolidate the peace of Europe by means of a general settlement.
§ Mr. THORNEIs it not the fact that Germany and Italy were signatories to the Locarno Treaty, and have they been invited to attend this conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis is a preliminary meeting in continuation of what has been done before, and, without anticipating what may happen, I hope that this may be a preliminary to further conversations.
§ Captain McEWENCan my right hon. Friend say whether any communication has been made to that effect to the other interested Powers?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, certainly, it has been, and is being made this afternoon.