§ 48. Mr. A. V. Alexanderasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of the issues involved, he will supply the House with copies of the telegrams sent to the Dominion Governments with reference to the conversations with Italy and Germany, together with copies of the replies received from the Dominion Governments?
§ The Prime MinisterFrank and confidential exchange of information and views between the several Governments of His Majesty on current international questions would be seriously hampered if the correspondence on each occasion had to be conducted on the basis that it might have to be published. This view has been held by successive Governments and in particular was expressed on 6th November, 1929, by the then Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs. Accordingly I feel myself unable to comply with the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. AlexanderWhile appreciating the nature of the answer, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is able to tell the House that all the Dominions without exception are in support of the change of policy of the Government?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is an entirely different question.