HC Deb 23 March 1936 vol 310 cc858-9
16. Mr. VYVYAN ADAMS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make about the European situation?

18. Mr. DALTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make any further statement regarding the situation arising from the German violation of the demilitarised zone?

Mr. EDEN

Yes, Sir. In the course of my conversations with Herr von Ribbentrop, I emphasised that the contents of the documents which had been communicated to him were in the nature of proposals. I made it clear that His Majesty's Government hoped that the German Government would be in a position to accept them, but that in any event his Majesty's Government felt that the German Government should assist them in their task by making some constructive contribution to improve the situation. On my instructions His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin used similar language in an interview which he had with the German Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday.

Mr. DALTON

Has any reply yet been received from the German Government?

Mr. EDEN

No, Sir.

Mr. ADAMS

Will my right hon. Friend continue to convey to our friends in France and Belgium our appreciation of their fortitude and patience in the present circumstances of danger and anxiety?

47. Commander LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Prime Minister whether, before coming to any agreement with Germany, he will make the unilateral breaking of treaties, without warning, a specific point of protest and consider what guarantees may be secured from Germany so that this advantage, which is claimed by net other country, may not be made use of again?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the maintenance of the principle of the sanctity of treaties is a main objective of His Majesty's Government.