HC Deb 18 November 1937 vol 329 cc566-7
46. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin will be present during the forthcoming conversations between the Lord President of the Council and the head of the German Government, having regard to the fact that these conversations will deal with matters of a type usually negotiated by an Ambassador in their initial stages?

The Prime Minister

As stated on 12th November in reply to a Private Notice Question by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Wakefield (Mr. Greenwood), the visit of the Lord President of the Council to Germany is entirely private and unofficial. His Majesty's Ambassador will not be present during the proposed conversations, which will not be of the nature of negotiations.

Mr. Mander

Would it not be possible to arrange for this interview to be broadcast?

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

May I ask the Prime Minister whether it may not adversely affect the prestige of the Ambassador to be relegated to the background in regard to these conversations which, by virtue of his office, he might have expected to carry out himself?

Mr. Thorne

When the Noble Lord in question comes back, will he communicate with the Prime Minister about the conversations that have taken place, and, if so, will the right hon. Gentleman report those communications to the House?

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Mander.