HC Deb 03 July 1939 vol 349 cc891-2
3. Mr. Dalton

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a further statement on the negotiations between His Majesty's Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

13. Mr. Thurtle

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make regarding the Anglo-Russian negotiations?

16. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of proposing to the Soviet Government the immediate publication of the proposals for an Anglo-Franco-Soviet pact up to date, with a view to the information of public opinion and to creating national support for the success of the negotiations?

18. Mr. Vyvyan Adams

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any progress to report in the negotiations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

20. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the public anxiety at the delay of over 10 weeks in bringing the Anglo-Russian negotiations to a conclusion, especially in view of the fact that each country has declared itself sincerely anxious to reach a conclusion; and if he will consider making an interim statement on the present position of the negotiations in order that public opinion may be informed concerning any points still at issue?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

Further instructions have been sent to His Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow, and, in company with his French colleague, he had another interview with M. Molotov on 1st July. His Majesty's Government are now awaiting the considered reply of the Soviet Government and I do not think it would be advisable to make any further statement at this stage of the negotiations.

Mr. Dalton

If I put down a question on Wednesday, has the Prime Minister any hope of being able to give a more definite and conclusive reply?

The Prime Minister

If we get a definite and conclusive reply, I will certainly do what I can.

Mr. G. Strauss

In view of the widespread concern over the delay that is taking place, does not the Prime Minister consider that the House should now be told what is the matter of principle that is preventing him from coming to some agreement?

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