HC Deb 07 March 1938 vol 332 cc1516-7
25. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make concerning the conversations between His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin and the head of the German Government?

The Prime Minister

The German Chancellor received His Majesty's Ambassador on 3rd March, for a general conversation upon subjects of interest to both countries. I am not in a position to say any more for the present.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Will these questions be a continuation or an extension of what are known as the Halifax-Hitler conversations?

The Prime Minister

That is a matter of opinion.

26. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of General Goering's statement as to the use of the German air force in connection with Germans outside the Reich, he will instruct His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin to draw the attention of the German Government to the fact that this country has commitments concerning the integrity of several countries which have German minorities?

The Prime Minister

The attitude of this country in connection with Central Europe has been repeatedly stated in this House, and in particular by the late Foreign Secretary on 24th June, 1937, in a speech of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Do not such veiled threats as are referred to in this question make it very much more difficult to pursue appeasement in Europe?

Sir A. Sinclair

Are the Government still bound by all the declarations of the late Foreign Secretary when he was a member of the Government?

53. Mr. Thurtle

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to enter into negotiations with Germany for a settlement of outstanding difficulties simultaneously with the negotiations with Italy for the same purpose?

The Prime Minister

Discussions with the German Goxernment have hitherto been only of a preliminary and exploratory character, and I am not in a position to say whether or when they will be succeeded by negotiations.

Mr. Thurtle

Does the Prime Minister hope that negotiations will follow these preliminary conversations?

Mr. Davidson

Will official negotiations be preceded by unofficial hostilities?