HC Deb 31 March 1936 vol 310 cc1814-5
34. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether staff conversations between Great Britain, France and Belgium have commenced; and whether he will press them forward as rapidly as possible, with a view to showing our determination to make the Treaty of Locarno effective?

Viscount CRANBORNE

The answer to the first part of the question is No, Sir. The hon. Member may, however, rest assured that His Majesty's Government will take any steps that seem to them necessary and desirable in order to direct them towards the objective to which he refers.

Mr. MANDER

Is it not a fact that these conversations are the only kind of language which the Nazis understand?

Mr. SANDYS

Can the Under-Secretary assure us that these staff conversations will not be undertaken until the German Government have definitely rejected the proposals?

Mr. HOLDSWORTH

Will the Noble Lord take note of the fact that some hon. Members of the House are not in agreement with the application of this principle at all?

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