§ 5. Mr. Lipsonasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have been informed by King Zog of the terms proposed to him by the Italian Government for a revised agreement and the rejection of which led to the Italian invasion of Albania?
§ Mr. ButlerI have nothing which I can add to the passage on this point in the Prime Minister's statement of 13th April, from which it will be seen that a representative of King Zog gave to His Majesty's Minister orally certain information about the terms proposed by the Italian Government.
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennMay I ask the Prime Minister whether it is true, as stated in the "Times" that the British Government propose to recognise what has happened in Albania?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)I have not seen any such report.
§ 6. Mr. Boothbyasked the Prime Minister whether he can give any further information regarding the progress of the negotiations between His Majesty's 758 Government and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?
§ 7. Mr. Leachasked the Prime Minister whether he can now say what progress has been made in the effort to bring Russia into defensive co-operation with Great Britain and France, and to remove her fears of being involved in an unsupported conflict on her western front?
§ 12. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the recent negotiations with the Turkish Government with a view to securing closer co-operation between the two countries?
§ 14. Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to give details about the progress of negotiations with the Turkish Republic concerning the collective defence system?
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government are maintaining close touch with other Governments, including those of Turkey and of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, but I am not yet in a position to add anything to previous statements.
§ Mr. DaltonIn view of the fact that six weeks have passed since the occupation of Prague, are not His Majesty's Government vigorously pressing forward the negotiations with Moscow with regard to the conclusion of a pact of mutual aid?
§ The Prime MinisterI have said that we are maintaining close contact.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we likely to have a report on the negotiations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics before the German Chancellor makes his reply to President Roosevelt?
§ The Prime MinisterI could not say.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it not extremely desirable that we should make our position-clear by saying what has happened in this negotiation, in order to influence the German Chancellor?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it is desirable to make a premature statement on a negotiation which is still in progress.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhile we have no desire for premature statements, is it not desirable to have some indication of what is happening?
§ The Prime MinisterI have given some indication.
§ Mr. ThurtleWill the right hon. Gentleman give some assurance that His Majesty's Government are doing everything possible to bring about this arrangement with Russia at the earliest possible moment?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not know what the hon. Member means by "this arrangement."
§ Mr. LeachWould the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, as to whether steps have been taken to remove the apprehension of the Russian Government of being left in the lurch if plunged into a conflict on the western border?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not in a position to make any further statement.