HC Deb 01 March 1939 vol 344 cc1235-6
11. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government were informed of the objects of the visits recently paid by Messieurs de Brinon and Baudouin to Berlin and Rome on behalf of the French Government?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend has no reason to believe that either of these gentlemen was charged with any mission, official or otherwise, on behalf of the French Government.

Mr. Mander

Is it not well known that both these gentlemen went on behalf of the French Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, and is it not really important that the British Government should be kept informed of any negotiations, official or unofficial, that have taken place?

Mr. Butler

I can only repeat my answer that my right hon. Friend has no reason to believe that these gentlemen were charged with an official mission.

Mr. Mander

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was an unofficial mission, and has he no knowledge of it?

Mr. Butler

No, we have not heard of any unofficial mission either.