§ 4. Mr. Wiseasked the Prime Minister whether, during the course of conversations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, he was informed by them of a note addressed by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 28th March last to the Government of Estonia warning that Government that any attempt to reach agreement with another Power would be regarded as an unfriendly act entailing most serious consequences; and whether he can give the House any information as to the details of this note?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.
§ Mr. WiseWill my right hon. Friend make inquiries to see whether such a note was in fact handed over? It must be within the capacity of His Majesty's Government to discover this. It has been referred to in a letter in the "Times."
§ Mr. ButlerMy Noble Friend is aware that the Soviet Government made it clear to the Estonian and Latvian Governments that they would take a grave view of any agreement that resulted in a diminution of Estonian or Latvian independence and sovereignty. The Estonian and Latvian Governments, for their part, have made it clear that they are determined to maintain their independence and neutrality.
§ Mr. Speakerrose—
§ 10. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a further statement on the progress of the negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?
§ 11. Mr. G. Straussasked the Prime Minister whether he can make any further statement concerning the discussions that are proceeding in Moscow?
25. Mr. V. Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with regard to the progress of our negotiations with Russia?
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present nothing to add to the statement which I made on Monday.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWill the right hon. Gentleman make it plain to the Russian Government that we propose complete equality of conditions in east and west Europe?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, we have all through maintained that our proposals do recognise complete equality.
Mr. V. AdamsIs my right hon. Friend able to state some of the other difficulties, besides the position of the Baltic countries, as the delay is causing great anxiety in more than one quarter?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, I do not think it is desirable at this stage.
§ 16. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of extending the terms of the Anglo-French-Soviet pact to cover the Far East, in view of the advantages this would bring and the interests of all three countries?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. The negotiations which are at present being conducted concern only the European situation.
§ Mr. ManderIs it not perfectly clear from recent events that peace in the world is indivisible, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this question of the Far East has at any time been discussed by the Russian Government during the negotiations?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir, not so far as I am aware.
Mr. AlexanderIs it not essential, if we are to have friendly relations and collaboration with a great Power, that we should be quite general in our conversations?
§ Mr. ButlerI have given the right hon. Gentleman the complete answer. The answer is in the negative.
§ 17. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed that a Cabinet Minister should now proceed to Moscow in connection with the negotiation of a Franco-Russian-British pact?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. ManderCan the Prime Minister say whether the Russian Government have ever asked for the visit of a British Cabinet Minister to Moscow in connection with these negotiations?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. ManderWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that he himself went to see Herr Hitler three times in the course of a few weeks, and is it not possible for the Foreign Secretary to go to Moscow?
§ 22. Mr. Leachasked the Prime Minister whether Mr. Strang has been granted plenipotentiary powers in the Moscow discussions?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow is responsible for the conduct of the negotiations now taking place. Mr. Strang is assisting him in an advisory capacity.
§ Mr. LeachHas neither of them plenipotentiary powers, and, if not, would it not be very advisable for those powers to be granted in order to get on with this treaty?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government are satisfied that they are conducting these negotiations with dispatch and efficiency.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIn view of the delay in this matter, will the Government reconsider the advisability of sending a Cabinet Minister who will have plenipotentiary powers?
§ Mr. ButlerMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has already answered a question on that point this afternoon.
§ Mr. CocksIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this delay is causing great satisfaction in Germany?