HC Deb 28 April 1937 vol 323 cc307-10
1. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the negotiations with the Belgian Government in respect of the latter's obligations under the Locarno Treaty?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

Yes, Sir. The text of the joint note addressed to the Belgian Government on 24th April by His Majesty's Ambassador and the French Ambassador in Brussels, together with the Belgian Government's reply thereto, will be found in Command Paper 5437. Hon. Members will see that by the terms of this document the two Governments declare that they consider Belgium released from all obligations towards them resulting from the Treaty of Locarno and the arrangements of 19th March, 1936, and that they have taken note of certain views expressed by the Belgian Government, relating to their fidelity to the Covenant of the League of Nations and their determination efficiently to organise the defence of Belgium against any aggression or invasion.

The preparatory exchange of views which has recently been taking place between the signatories of the Treaty of Locarno, with a view to the negotiation of a new Western European security pact to replace that instrument, has shown that in any new treaty Belgium would wish not to give guarantees to other States, and that the other four Governments concerned in the negotiations would also be prepared to agree that Belgium should not undertake to guarantee other States in the new treaty. In view, therefore, of the delay experienced in negotiating the new treaty, it was decided, in order to meet the wishes of the Belgian Government, to give effect to their wish to be released in advance from their remaining obligations under the Locarno Treaty and the arrangements of 19th March, 1936.

I should like to add that the present communications in no way affect the obligations of any other country but Belgium. It will be seen, for instance, that it is expressly stated in the note that neither the undertakings of this country and of France towards Belgium nor the existing undertakings between this country and France are affected.

Mr. Henderson

In view of this new arrangement, does His Majesty's Government intend to approach the other Governments concerned with a view to this new instrument being extended?

Mr. Eden

This is an arrangement between these three Governments which affects directly only the three Governments, but others concerned in the negotiations were informed of what we had done.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the fact that the whole basis of the Locarno Treaty has been affected by this new arrange- ment, would it not be desirable for His Majesty's Government to make approaches to the other Governments which were previously interested in Locarno?

Mr. Eden

The other Governments have been informed, but this arises out of the arrangement made in March last year, to which Germany was not a party.

Mr. Leach

In the negotiations which are now to be held will the mutual protection all round of one another's territories be one of the objects sought?

Mr. Eden

That is another question.

13. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Belgium, under the new agreement with Great Britain and France, continues to remain bound by the interpretation given to Article 16 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, in Annex F to the Treaty of Locarno, that each State Member of the League is bound to cooperate loyally and effectively in support of the Covenant, and in resistance to any act of aggression to an extent which is compatible with its military situation and takes its geographical position into account; and whether staff conversations to facilitate the Franco-British guarantees to Belgium will take place between the three parties?

Mr. Eden

As regards the first part of the question, Belgium's obligations under the Covenant of the League of Nations are, of course, not in any way affected by the Anglo-French note to the Belgian Government of 24th April last, and, as my Noble Friend informed the hon. Member in a reply given to him on 15th March, His Majesty's Government have no information to show that the interpretation placed on Article 16 of the League Covenant in Annex F of the Treaty of Locarno has been rejected by any member of the League. As regards the second part of the question, no such staff conversations are at present contemplated.

Mr. Mander

If Great Britain and France are effectively to carry out their guarantee to Belgium, is not some contact, either personal or written, necessary?

Mr. Eden

I do not think I can add to my answer.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman note that the hon. Member thinks it is time to start organising for the next war?

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