§ 9. Mr. Daltonasked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make regarding the progress of the negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?
§ The Prime MinisterFresh instructions were sent to His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow on 21st July and a further meeting with M. Molotov was held yesterday, but we have not yet been able to study the report of our Ambassador, which has only just been received.
§ Mr. DaltonIn view of the grave concern felt in many quarters in this country owing to the long delay in these negotiations, can the right hon. Gentleman now undertake that this House shall not adjourn for the summer until this pact has been concluded?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Sir P. HarrisWould it not be. possible to send a Cabinet Minister with plenary powers to settle these discussions so that they can be brought to a successful issue?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. GreenwoodMay I press the Prime Minister on this subject? In view of the fact that the negotiations have been very prolonged in relation to a matter which is of profound interest to the future of the peace of Europe, surely the right hon. Gentleman would be prepared to give an undertaking that this House should not rise until the negotiations are concluded?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot at this stage give that assurance.
§ Mr. GreenwoodSupposing the right hon. Gentleman were pressed a little later —I quite realise that there may be difficulties—would he think it a satisfactory situation if this House were to rise without an agreement being concluded and some arrangement were made behind the backs of this House?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I assume that the right hon. Gentleman shares the desire of the British Government that an agreement should be concluded, but the possibility of concluding an agreement does not lie only with His Majesty's Government.