§ 3. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether general negotiations for the peace of Europe, as proposed by the German Government on 31st March, 1936, are taking place; and, if so, whether he can make a statement thereon?
§ Mr. EdenAs the hon. Member will be aware, the German Chancellor, in his communication of 31st March last, did 1575 not propose any immediate general negotiations other than a new security agreement for Western Europe between the Locarno Powers. As indicated, however, in the communiqué of 23rd July last, it has always been the expectation of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom that progress in the negotiation of a new Western agreement to take the place of the Treaty of Locarno would lead to a widening of the area of the discussions so as to include other problems, the solution of which is essential to the peace of Europe.
§ Mr. HendersonIs it still the view of the Government that the organisation of peace in Europe depends not only on the conclusion of a Western pact but also on the conclusion of a pact between Germany and the Eastern Powers, including Czechoslovakia and Russia?
§ Mr. HendersonDo the Government still accept the view laid down by the present First Lord of the Admiralty in August, 1935, that the conclusion of an Eastern Pact is the corner-stone of progress in Europe?
§ Mr. EdenI do not think that my right hon. Friend said exactly that, but if the hon. Member will look at the communiqué of 23rd July I think he will find his anxieties allayed.