§ Mr. Benn(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether Sir Nevile Henderson will have an opportunity of an interview with Herr von Ribbentrop before the meeting of the Reichstag?
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Ambassador was received by the State Secretary this morning, since it was not possible to arrange an interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. No doubt Sir Nevile Henderson will use his discretion as to the desirability of asking for a subsequent interview with Herr von Ribbentrop.
§ Mr. BennIs it the desire of His Majesty's Government that Sir Nevile Henderson should have an interview with. Herr von Ribbentrop?
§ The Prime MinisterThat, I think, we can leave to his discretion.
§ Mr. BellengerHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the reports that Herr von Ribbentrop was unable to receive our Ambassador because he had not the time to spare, and do not His Majesty's Government think that is a direct affront to our Ambassador in Berlin?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, I do not think it necessary to make that assumption at all. I understand that the German Foreign Minister was engaged, on account of the visit of the Yugoslav Foreign Minister.
§ Mr. BennIs it a fact that Sir Nevile Henderson had a message of importance to deliver which he should have communicated to Herr von Ribbentrop now?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, Sir Nevile Henderson has not been instructed to make any suggestions or proposals to the German Government, but we thought it right in the present circumstances that he should be at his post and should keep the German Government informed as to the developments of British foreign policy.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes that answer mean that the Yugoslav Minister is more important than ours?
§ Sir A. SinclairIf His Majesty's Government wish the Ambassador to keep the German Government informed as to the development of His Majesty's Government's policy, is it not essential that he should have an interview either with Herr von Ribbentrop or with Herr Hitler?
§ The Prime MinisterHe saw the State Secretary, but if he thinks that is not sufficient, no doubt he will seek an interview with the Minister himself.