§ 83. Captain Pluggeasked the Prime Minister what steps he proposes to take to offer counsel and advice to nations in South-Eastern Europe; and whether he is aware that such a policy would meet with general approval?
§ 85. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make on the steps he proposes to take to make more immediately effective the security of the European democracies, and to re-establish collective security within the League of Nations?
§ The Prime MinisterPerhaps the hon. Members will be good enough to await the reply on the general situation which I propose to give at the end of Questions.
§ Miss WilkinsonWill the Prime Minister note that in Question 83 he is first of all asked what the policy is, and is then offered unconditional support?
§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make on the European situation?
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government have already made clear that the recent actions of the German Government have raised the question whether that Government is not seeking by successive steps to dominate Europe, and perhaps even to go further than that. Were this interpretation of the intentions of the German Government to prove correct, His Majesty's Government feel bound to say that this would rouse the successful resistance of this and other countries who prize their freedom, as similar attempts have done in the past.
I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the consultations which have been held with other Governments as a result of recent developments. I wish to make it clear, however, that there is no desire on the part of His Majesty's Government to stand in the way of any reasonable efforts on the part of Germany to expand her export trade. On the contrary, we were on the point of discussing in the most friendly way the possibility of trade arrangements which would have benefited both countries when the events took place which, for the time being at any rate, put a stop to those discussions. Nor is this Government anxious to set up in Europe opposing blocks of countries with different ideas about the forms of their internal administration. We are solely concerned here with the proposition that we cannot submit to a procedure under which independent States are subjected to such pressure under threat of force as to be obliged to yield up their independence, and we are resolved by all means in our power to oppose attempts, if they should be made, to put such a procedure into operation.
§ Mr. ManderIn connection with the consultations, will the Prime Minister be good enough to bear in mind that only definite, binding arrangements with friendly countries are of the slightest use?
§ Mr. Aneurin BevanCan the Prime Minister give us any indication whether he will be able to amplify the statement he has made to the House which, he must realise, is entirely unsatisfactory in the present situation?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot add anything to what I have said at present.
§ Mr. BevanCan the right hon. Gentleman indicate to the House when the 1463 negotiations between His Majesty's Government and those of other Powers will be brought to such a condition as to enable him to make a statement, because there is in the House grave disquiet about the present situation?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member, I dare say, has been engaged in negotiations himself before now, and I should be very much surprised if he were able to say at the beginning of those negotiations exactly when they would come to an end.
§ Mr. BevanIs not the Prime Minister aware that the country is in a condition of grave disquiet about protracted negotiations, and has he agreed this delay with the Leader of the Opposition?