§ 4. Mr. Cocksasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider sending a special envoy, not necessarily a professional diplomat, to the Near East, with headquarters at Sofia, whose principal object shall be to promote unity in the Balkans?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)While I appreciate the motives which prompt the hon. Member to make this suggestion, my Noble Friend does not consider that the end he has in view would be served by action such as he proposes.
§ Mr. CocksDo the Government propose to take any steps to counteract disunity in the Balkans, in view of the fact that Herr Frick recently told Bulgaria that she was expected to fight for Germany in the next war, and that the Prime Minister of Bulgaria is leaving for Berlin to-day?
§ Mr. ButlerI am aware of the latter point that the hon. Member has raised. Naturally, Balkan unity is a matter of concern to His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. PilkingtonIn view of the detached position of this country, could we not take some initiative in this very important matter?