HC Deb 22 July 1936 vol 315 cc417-8
4. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has communicated to the other signatories of the agreement of 19th March his view that the situation has not arisen envisaged in that agreement that if conciliation failed certain steps described in Sections 1 and 2 of the letter to be addressed to Belgium and France would be taken, including joint action, against aggression; and whether his view is shared by the representatives of France and Belgium?

Mr. EDEN

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the question asked by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Limehouse (Mr. Attlee) on 21st July on the subject of the forthcoming meeting of the Locarno Powers.

Mr. MANDER

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer the point which was not covered in that reply yesterday, as to the view taken by France and Belgium?

Mr. EDEN

I think it has been made quite clear that the purpose of the conversations is a constructive one for further progress in Europe, and I should deprecate anything being said until the meeting is over to give a contrary impression.

Mr. MANDER

But it is a fact, is it not, that the staff arrangements in the meantime remain in full force?

Mr. EDEN

The arrangements entered into some time ago—certainly.

6. Mr. A. HENDERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement with reference to the forthcoming meeting of Locarno Powers?

Mr. EDEN

I would refer the hon. Member to the terms of the reply given by the Prime Minister yesterday to a question put by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Limehouse (Mr. Attlee) to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. HENDERSON

May I ask the names of the British delegation; and also whether it has been made perfectly clear to the German Government that this is only a preliminary conference, and that no decisions will be taken which will be prejudicial to the forthcoming principal conference?

Mr. EDEN

The British delegates will be the Prime Minister, the Lord Privy Seal and myself. As regards the purpose of the conference, I think that has already been made abundantly clear, and I have nothing to add to what I have said.

Mr. HENDERSON

Clear to the German Government?

Mr. EDEN

Yes, I have seen the German Chargé d'Affaires two or three times.

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