§ 2. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that it is not proposed to withdraw recognition from His Excellency the Albanian Minister in London and that there is no intention of closing the British legation at Durazzo?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)I can make no statement at present about these questions, which are receiving consideration.
§ Mr. ManderCan the right hon. Gentleman say how long it is going to take the Government to make up their mind on whether they are going to recognise the conquest of Albania?
§ Mr. ButlerIf the hon. Gentleman refers to the answer which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 26th April, he will see the reason why there is delay.
§ Mr. DayIs it not open to the Government whatever decision they reach, to change their minds whenever they like?
§ 3. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister how the letters of credence issued to Sir Percy Loraine, His Majesty's recently 1484 appointed Ambassador at Rome, were worded; and whether he will give an assurance that our Ambassador will not be accredited to His Majesty the King of Italy and Emperor of Ethiopia, as King of Albania, which would be implication give de jure recognition to Italian sovereignty over that country?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)Sir Percy Loraine's credentials were signed by The King on 28th March and were addressed to "His Majesty The King of Italy, Emperor of Ethiopia." The Italian authorities have expressed their willingness to accept these credentials, which were signed in the above circumstances.
§ 7. Mr. Thurtleasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the progress of the negotiations with Soviet Russia; and if, in considering whether or not he can make such a statement, will he have regard to the public anxiety for early information in this matter?
§ 12. Mr. Priceasked the Prime Minister whether conversations are still proceeding between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics with a view to common military, naval and air action against aggressor States; and whether such conversations are confined to Eastern Europe or whether they aim at a mutual agreement to preserve peace in Europe as a whole?
§ The Prime MinisterConversations are proceeding with the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and my Noble Friend saw the Soviet Ambassador on Saturday immediately after his return from Moscow. While I fully recognise the desirability of making a statement at the earliest possible date, I regret that I can say no more for the time being.
§ Mr. ThurtleWould the Prime Minister, in considering these negotiations, bear in mind that a very large number of people regard the question of a successful agreement with Russia as the acid test of the sincerity of the Government in regard to their new policy?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not a matter for His Majesty's Government alone.
§ Mr. AttleeCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any definite proposals 1485 have been received from the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. Proposals have been received and conversations are still proceeding.
§ Mr. AttleeCan the Prime Minister say why there has been such a long delay in dealing with this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is very difficult to enter into all the details of negotiations that are still in progress. It is not a very simple matter, and it is one in which other Governments have to be considered as well.
Mr. Vyvyan AdamsCan my right hon. Friend reassure me that the negotiations with Russia are being pursued with all possible despatch?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. AttleeWill it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to make a statement at Question Time to-morrow?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot give an assurance upon that point.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCan the right hon. Gentleman say when were the Russian proposals received— how long ago?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, and I do not know that that is relevant.
§ 17. Mr. Sorensenasked the Prime Minister whether he will officially communicate to all other Powers his statement in the House concerning the Government's willingness and desire to enter into discussions on common economic problems?
§ The Prime MinisterThe attitude of His Majesty's Government has been clearly stated, and I do not think any useful purpose would be served by the action suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman in communication with the peace loving Powers with a view to economic co-operation?
§ The Prime MinisterNo such communication has been made.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the right hon. Gentleman feel that to take the initiative in this way might be desirable?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ 18. Mr. Sorensenasked the Prime Minister whether he has been informed by the Japanese Government of the result of the recent discussions between that Government and those of Germany and Italy?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.
§ Mr. SorensenIn view of statements which have appeared in the Press, would the right hon. Gentleman take steps to discover whether such statements are correct; and will he give a reply on that point on an early date?
§ Mr. ButlerIf the hon. Member puts down a question, I will do my best to answer it.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that statements have appeared to the effect that Japan did not intend to take part in any war in which the Axis Powers were involved?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir, my Noble Friend has noticed those statements.
§ Mr. SorensenAre those statements correct? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Is it not in order to put that question to the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. ButlerI have been asked whether we had any official information communicated to us by the Japanese Government, and the answer to that question is, "No."
§ 5. Mr. Priceasked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to preserving the principle of co-operation between Balkan countries to resist aggression, he will consider what steps can be taken to assist in settling outstanding questions between Rumania, Bulgaria, and Greece on such matters as the Dobrudja and an outlet for Bulgaria to the Aegean at Dedeagatch?
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government, while attaching the greatest importance to the principle of Balkan unity, consider that the question to which the hon. Member refers must primarily be settled by negotiation between the countries concerned.
§ The Prime MinisterI must have notice of a question like that.