HC Deb 08 June 1937 vol 324 cc1592-3
71. Sir A. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now had time to ascertain the facts regarding a speech made by the British Ambassador in Washington, on 19th May, in which he stated that His Majesty's Government was willing to accord favourable treatment to American farmers for their produce in Great Britain; and will he allay the consequent anxiety of the agricultural community in Great Britain by undertaking that in any future trade agreements the interests, first, of British farmers, and, secondly, of Dominion farmers, shall not be sacrificed as on occasion in the past?

Viscount Cranborne

My right hon. Friend has now received the text of the speech, and is arranging to place a copy in the Library of the House. It is clear from the text that the earlier Press reports of this speech were entirely inaccurate.

Sir A. Knox

In view of that reply, will the Noble Lord see his way to inform the directors of the "Times" newspaper that they may change their editor and get a more accurate editor?

Mr. Arthur Henderson

Will the Minister bear in mind the advice contained in the supplementary question of the hon. and gallant Gentleman yesterday, namely, that it is the duty of His Majesty's Ambassadors to establish the best possible relations with the Governments of the countries to which they are accredited, in spite of the fulminations of so-called Protectionists in this country?

Mr. Macquisten

But not to give the country away.

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