§ 6. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has been received from the Belgian Government to the British note of 4th November, 1936; and whether he will communicate its contents to the House?
§ Viscount CranborneThe answer to the first part of the question is, Yes, Sir. This note forms part of a preliminary exchange of views between the five Locarno Powers. It has been decided that these preliminary exchanges of view should be regarded as confidential, and the hon. 1612 Member will, I am sure, realise that this decision is in the general interest of the negotiations themselves.
§ Mr. HendersonCan nothing be done to prevent an impasse between the German Government and the Italian Government; and will the Minister assure the House that no question of amour propre will prevent the British Government seeking to take further action with a view to bringing these countries into line?
§ Viscount CranborneI assure the hon. Member that His Majesty's Government will do everything that is possible and appropriate.
§ Mr. HendersonWill His Majesty's Government put a blunt question to these two Governments as to whether or not they intend to reply to the note?
§ Viscount CranborneIt is for His Majesty's Government to say what is likely to produce the best results.
§ Miss WilkinsonWhy?