HC Deb 03 February 1937 vol 319 cc1573-4
2. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further progress has been made as regards the proposed Five-Power Locarno Conference; and whether he will make a statement?

Mr. Eden

On 5th November last I stated in the House of Commons that His Majesty's Government had on the previous day addressed a note on this subject to the other Governments concerned. That note contained a comparison of the views expressed by the five Governments on certain questions in respect of which preparation was considered to be essential before the conference met. On 19th November His Majesty's Government addressed a further note to the other Governments concerned giving their views as to how the various opinions expressed by the five Governments could best be reconciled, and inviting the views of the other Governments on this question. On 19th December His Majesty's representatives at Berlin, Brussels, Paris and Rome were instructed to inquire whether the respective Governments expected shortly to be able to reply to their memoranda. The French Government replied on 19th December, but no reply has yet been received from the Belgian, German or Italian Governments.

Mr. Henderson

Would it be possible to put a further specific request to these Governments to ascertain whether they intend to participate in this conference or not?

Mr. Eden

It is just as much in their interests to answer as it is in ours.

Mr. Mander

Is it any good addressing further inquiries in view of the contemptuous treatment to which this country has been subjected?