HC Deb 29 March 1939 vol 345 cc2015-8
1 and 2. Mr. Boothby

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the gravity of the international situation and the necessity for quick action, His Majesty's Government will give favourable consideration to the proposal for summoning immediately a conference of the Powers whose interests lie in the preservation of peace in Eastern Europe;

(2) whether he can give the House an assurance that the objective of His Majesty's Government in the diplomatic negotiations which they are now conducting is not merely a joint declaration on the part of those Powers interested in the maintenance of peace, but the conclusion of a definite pact for mutual defence against aggression, involving immediate staff consultations?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made yesterday, to which I have nothing at present to add.

Mr. Boothby

Can my right hon. Friend give the House an assurance that whatever form of pact may emerge, if a pact does emerge, His Majesty's Government will maintain the closest touch and co-operation with the Government of the Soviet Union?

Sir Patrick Hannon

Before the Prime Minister replies—

Hon. Members

Answer.

The Prime Minister

The Government are in touch with the Government of the Soviet Union.

Sir P. Hannon

I was only going to ask whether it would not be better to leave this matter in the hands of the Prime Minister?

3. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Prime Minister whether, in relation to a long-term policy for securing permanent inter national co-operation, the recognition and observance of international law, and the removal of unnecessary rivalry between peace-loving Powers, His Majesty's Government will consider the possibility of an approach towards a form of federal relationship between those Powers?

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

I fear that in present circumstances there is little prospect of progress being possible on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Sorensen

Seeing that some kind of federal agreement is a probability in the days or the years to come, will not the hon. Gentleman give some indication of movement towards that end?

Mr. Butler

I have told the hon. Member that circumstances make this very difficult, but we will certainly bear his desire in mind.

4. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether consideration is being given to the desirability of summoning a special meeting of the Council of the League of Nations in view of the gravity of the international situation?

15. Major Milner

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to bring the present international situation formally before the Council of the League of Nations?

Mr. Butler

As I informed the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) on 13th March, His Majesty's Government are fully aware of the value of the League's organisation for the furtherance of international consultation and collaboration, but under the present circumstances they do not propose to take the initiative of summoning a special Council meeting to consider the international situation.

Mr. Mander

Will the Government bear in mind the moral value of having the backing of the Covenant of the League for any action that might have to be taken in the situation?

Mr. Butler

I will certainly bear that in mind.

Mr. Cocks

Has there been a moment since the League was founded when it was more necessary to call the Council together?

Mr. Butler

I have informed the House of the Government's attitude towards the League, and I have said that in present circumstances we do not intend to call the Council together.

Mr. Mander

Is it the case that if some other Government were to take the initiative the British Government would wholeheartedly co-operate?

Mr. Butler

I should want to examine the situation afresh in the light of the circumstances.

14. Major Milner

asked the Prime Minister the dates and terms of all proposals for a conference of Powers made by the Russian Government within the last 15 months and the respective replies given by His Majesty's Government thereto?

Mr. Butler

There appear to have been two such proposals. The first was made on 17th March, 1938, and I would refer the hon. Member in this connection to the Prime Minister's statement on 24th March of last year. The second was a proposal put forward by the Soviet Government on 18th March of this year for a conference of certain States to discuss the possibilities of common action. It has been made clear in recent statements that His Majesty's Government are in active consultation with other interested Governments upon the issues arising from recent events, and it would in our view be preferable at the present time to conduct consultations through the ordinary diplomatic channels.

Major Milner

May I take it that the matter of a conference is not excluded from the Government's mind?

Mr. Butler

The attitude of the Government has been expressed in the answer which I have just given.

Mr. Boothby

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that if the ordinary diplomatic channels are very slow we may once again find ourselves forestalled by speedier and more resolute action on the part of the Chancellor of the Reich?

Mr. Butler

I do not think any action is excluded, but I have stated the attitude of His Majesty's Government.

16. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of this country adhering to the Franco-Soviet Pact?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir. The Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance is a bilateral agreement which contains no provision for the accession of other Powers.

Mr. Mander

In view of the fact that this is a purely defensive pact within the collective machinery of the League of Nations and is open to any nations for signature, will not the Government very carefuly study the possibilities in the present circumstances?

Mr. Butler

The Treaty of Mutual Assistance is a bilateral agreement which contains no provision for the accession of other Powers.

Mr. Wise

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House what is the French view of the Franco-Soviet Pact?

Mr. Cocks

Does not that pact allow for the signature of other countries such as Germany and Poland?

Mr. Butler

It is a bilateral agreement which contains no provision for the accession of other Powers.

Mr. Boothby

Is the possibility of a pact excluded—not necessarily this pact—between this country and the Soviet Union?

Mr. Butler

I must refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by the Prime Minister.

Mr. Arthur Henderson (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of German propaganda alleging ill-treatment of German residents in Poland and its effect on the present state of tension between the two countries, His Majesty's Government will be willing to send neutral observers to Poland, if the Polish Government approved?

Mr. Butler

The initiative in a matter of this kind must rest with the Polish Government, who have not approached us.

Mr. Henderson

May I ask whether, in view of recent developments, it is still expected that the Polish Foreign Minister will come to London next week, and whether these matters will be discussed with him, bearing in mind that the same technique is being applied to Poland as was applied to Czecho-Slovakia?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, we are expecting the Polish Foreign Minister, and I have no doubt that many matters will be discussed with him.