HC Deb 05 July 1939 vol 349 cc1265-6
9. Mr. Dalton

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

10. Mr. Vyvyan Adams

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing gravity of the European situation and the necessity of completing the front of law-abiding Powers to deter aggression, he will relieve public anxiety by making a statement upon the progress of the Anglo-Russian negotiations?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

My Noble Friend received the reply of the Soviet Government yesterday, and it is now being considered in consultation with the French Government.

Mr. Dalton

Is it true, as stated in the Press to-day, that one of the outstanding difficulties relates to new proposals put forward by His Majesty's Government for the further extension of the list of countries to be named in the guarantee of the treaty?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that it is desirable to enter upon details of what the difficulties are which are yet unsolved, but it would be a mistake to suppose that the difficulties arise from one side only.

Mr. Dalton

Does the Prime Minister realise that these negotiations have now dragged on for three very long months, and that there has been very great forbearance in this House and in the country, and that we shall have to have a "show down" very soon?

Mr. Pilkington

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a doubt is beginning to grow in this country whether the Soviet Government really do want this agreement?

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not necessary to have the resignation of the Prime Minister first?

Mr. V. Adams

Is it too late to send to Moscow a responsible Minister of the Crown; and does my right hon. Friend recall the success of the visit to Moscow of a former Foreign Secretary not many years ago?

Mr. McGovern

Is it not rather strange that the Labour party are trying to foist Russia on to this country when they themselves refused to have any industrial or political commitments with them?

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