HC Deb 26 June 1939 vol 349 cc4-6
4. Mr. Dalton

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make any 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. T. Williams

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement on the negotiations between Russia and His Majesty's Government?

13. Mr. Vyvyan Adams

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make on the negotiations proceeding with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

His Majesty's Government, in consultation with the French Government, are considering the Soviet Government's comments on the proposals to which I referred in my statement on 19th June. My Noble Friend hopes shortly to be in a position to send further instructions to His Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow.

Mr. Dalton

Seeing that these negotiations have now dragged on 10 weeks, and that it is more than 10 days since Mr. Strang was sent to Moscow, will not the Government take more energetic action in the form of sending a Minister to consult with M. Molotoff?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that would help matters.

Mr. Dalton

Is it not clear that these outstanding difficulties are causing great satisfaction in Berlin and making possible the risk of a new German aggression and a general war in Europe?

The Prime Minister

That may be so, and I hope it is borne in mind by the Soviet Government.

Mr. Cocks

Is it not a fact that the British proposals contain a consultation Clause which the French Government understood was to be omitted?

The Prime Minister

I am not prepared to give details as to the conversations.

Mr. McGovern

Do the Government believe that in the event of a pact being successful the Russian Government arc willing to place their forces behind this country in any struggle which may take place? Are you as simple as that?

23. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that under Article 10 of the League Covenant, the British, French, Russian, and other Governments have entered into a general guarantee against aggression, which covers the territories and independence of the Baltic States, the Baltic State have at any time officially represented that they desire to be released from such guarantee?

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

No, Sir. The States in question have made clear their attitude towards guarantees against aggression, but I am not aware that they have asked to be exempted from the application of Article 10 of the Covenant. As the hon. Member is aware, the precise effect of Article 10 has been the subject of much discussion in the past.

Mr. Henderson

Is it not a fact that all the guarantees against aggression to which His Majesty's Government have recently become a party are in accordance with League principle, and would not that apply to any future pact against aggression to which the Government might become a party?

Mr. Butler

That is one possible interpretation, but I have been asked to give the position of these particular Governments, and I can only let them answer for themselves and give their own interpretation of Article 10.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Could not the terms of Article 10 be taken as a basic guarantee which would be supported by the military arrangements now being made among the parties?