HC Deb 17 March 1937 vol 321 cc2035-6
2. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he possesses information respecting further plans for rearmament by other Powers alleged by them to be consequential upon the present British rearmament plans?

Mr. Eden

I am not aware that any foreign Government has stated that its rearmament is consequential upon ours.

Mr. Sorensen

Although no foreign Government may have stated such, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, in fact, the plans of rearmament of Italy and Japan have been consequential on our own plan of rearmament, and, that being the case, will he not agree that we are involved now in a fresh race in arms, to the detriment of the whole world?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir, I could not disagree more with the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Vyvyan Adams

Had we any other course open to us in view of the volume of German rearmament?