HC Deb 12 April 1937 vol 322 cc601-2
24. Brigadier-General Spears

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Germany signed a pact of friendship and mutual assistance with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 24th April, 1926, and that this pact was renewed on 24th January, 1931, and ratified on 5th May, 1933, by the present head of the German Government; and whether this pact is still in force, in view of the fact that neither Germany nor the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have exercised their right to denounce it on giving a year's notice?

Viscount Cranborne

The facts are as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend, with the exception that, according to my information, the signature of the Protocol renewing the German-Soviet Pact of 1926 took place not on 24th January, 1931, but on 24th June, 1931. As far as I am aware, neither of the contracting parties have so far availed themselves of the right of denouncing this treaty.

Brigadier-General Spears

Is the pact still in force?

Viscount Cranborne

Yes, as far as I am aware.

Mr. Macquisten

Do either of these people attach the slightest importance to each other's signatures?