§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make regarding the situation in Austria?
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)Yes, Sir. I have received certain information in regard to the new Austro-German Agreement. As, however, the terms of this Agreement have not yet been made public by the parties to it, I am unable at this moment to give any detailed information to the House. I hope, however, to be in a position to make a statement at an early date, perhaps to-morrow. In the meanwhile, in view of statements in the Press, I should perhaps add that His Majesty's Minister in Vienna was informed of the proposed meeting between the Austrian Chancellor and Herr Hitler on 11th February; that is to say, on the eve of the meeting itself. The views or advice of His Majesty's Government were not invited in connection 2074 with that meeting. While, at the present moment, I am not in a position to estimate the exact effect of this Agreement, His Majesty's Government are following developments with close attention, and His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin has already been instructed to indicate to the German Government the interest which His Majesty's Government take, and have always taken, in the Austrian question.
§ Mr. AttleeCan the right hon. Gentleman make more clear the reply which he gave to a question on this subject yesterday, relative to the attitude of His Majesty's Government to the integrity and independence of Austria, as based on the Declaration of 1934?
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir. That Declaration as the House will recollect, was reaffirmed by the Stresa Conference, where machinery was agreed upon for consultation. Perhaps I should make it clear to the House that, so far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, they have been, and are still, prepared for such consultation.
§ Mr. AttleeIn view of the methods which have been apparently employed with regard to Austria, can the right hon. Gentleman state the attitude of His Majesty's Government with regard to the position of Czechoslovakia?
§ Mr. EdenI think that it is perhaps desirable that I should have notice of that; but, straightaway, I would like to assure the House that this country has always had the friendliest feelings towards the Czechoslovakian nation, and is fully aware of the treaties which bind Czechoslovakia to other Powers.
§ Mr. ChurchillApart from any national commitments or expressions which may have been used, has not the League of Nations at Geneva certain duties and responsibilities lying upon it in respect of the independence and integrity of Austria?
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is perfectly justified in his conclusion. At the same time, it is our view, in view of the particular circumstances of the Stresa Declaration, that we are willing to act with others as provided for in that declaration, but we do not think it lies with us to take the initiative.
§ Mr. ManderDid the Austrian Government at any stage in the events of the 2075 last few days ask the British Government what measures of support, if any, would be granted to them if they resisted?
§ Mr. EdenI thought my answer made that quite clear. No such suggestion was ever made to His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. BellengerIn view of the declared policy of His Majesty's Government towards Austria, is the right hon. Gentleman in consultation with any of the other signatories to the Stresa agreement?