§ 46. Lieut. - Commander FLETCHERasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that public opinion views the proposed conversations between the British and French general staffs with uneasiness; and whether he will give an assurance that if these conversations take place they will be restricted in character and terminated at the earliest possible moment, and not be allowed to broaden into discussions which French public opinion might interpret in terms of a Franco-British military alliance?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that my right hon. Friend proposes to deal with this question in the course of the Debate this afternoon. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will wait till then.
§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERWould the right hon. Gentleman consider, in the event of such conversations taking place, that a Minister should take part in them so that the ardour of the generals may be restrained?
§ Mr. MANDERIs it not a fact that Germany, by her action in the Rhineland, has automatically created a Franco-British military alliance?
Miss RATHBONEIs it not the case that British opinion is quite equally uneasy at anything that may convey to the French public that the British public is anxious to back out of its obligation under the Treaty of Locarno?