§ 16. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement concerning the recent agreement between the German and Czecho-Slovak Governments according the right of passage to German troops over Czechoslovak territory in time of war; and whether he is satisfied that such a right is consistent with the neutrality of Czecho-Slovakia?
§ Mr. ButlerAs I informed the hon. Member on 6th February, my Noble Friend has received no details of any agreement which may have been reached on this subject.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAre we to understand that His Majesty's Government have not made inquiries as to whether such an agreement as has been reported in the Press has, in fact, been made?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, we have no details on the subject, but we are willing to make further inquiries of the Czecho-Slovak Government.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIn view of the immense importance to this country of the military domination of Czecho-Slovakia, will the right hon. Gentleman make such inquiries?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Garro JonesHaving regard to the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that he will make fresh inquiries, have any such inquiries been made, and has any reply been received?
§ Mr. ButlerWe have inquired whether there is any information we may have, but, so far, we have not been able to obtain any. I am willing, however, to make fresh attempts to get the information.
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennIn the light of what the Prime Minister has said about our guaranteeing the frontiers of this State, does the Under-Secretary mean that the Government have made no inquiries into a vital matter of this kind?
§ Mr. ButlerThe right hon. Gentleman must pay attention to the answer I have just given, which states the position exactly.