HC Deb 12 July 1939 vol 349 cc2212-3
1. Mr. Day

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the negotiations proceeding between His Majesty's Government and the Governments of France and Russia, he can state whether the Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance of 2nd May, 1935, the Franco-Rumanian Treaty of Friendship of 10th June, 1926, and the Franco-Yugoslav Treaty of Friendly Understanding of 11th November, 1927, are still in existence without alterations?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, the answer in each case is in the affirmative.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any inquiries have been made or whether any suggestions have been made as to alterations?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir.

5. Mr. Vyvyan Adams

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the Anglo-Russian negotiations for a common front against aggression?

9. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement concerning the negotiations with the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for a treaty of mutual assistance against aggression?

11. Mr. Neil Maclean

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any definite statement of the progress of the British Soviet discussions; and, if not, whether there is any possibility of a time-limit being set to these protracted negotiations?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

I have at present nothing to add to the statement I made on this subject two days ago.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of the fact that these negotiations have now being going on for three and a-half months, and in view of the fact that in the early weeks at least the Russian Government showed very great willingness to come to some agreement, will His Majesty's Government perhaps consider the early publication of all the proposals put forward on both sides, in order that this House and public opinion may judge where the responsibility lies?

The Prime Minister

Probably before we have done there will be publication of the proposals that have been put forward, but I do not think that at the present time it would be desirable to do anything which might lead to further recriminations.

Mr. Maclean

Is it not the case that the public in this country are very much concerned as to who is to blame for these protracted negotiations, and will the right hon. Gentleman give a chronology of the negotiations that have taken place so that any blame can be attached to the proper quarter?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that while negotiations are in progress it would be a good thing to enter into arguments as to who is to blame.

Mr. Noel-Baker rose —

Sir William Davison

On a point of Order. Would you ask the hon. Member's attention to be drawn to the fact that there are other Members in the House besides himself who have a number of questions on the Paper, and that he takes an undue amount of the time of the House?

Mr. Noel-Baker

May I, with great respect, in view of the importance of the matter, ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider publication, not with a view to stimulating recriminations, but in order that public opinion might assist towards a solution of this problem, upon which the peace of the world probably depends?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.