HC Deb 02 May 1939 vol 346 cc1697-9
Mr. Attlee

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he will state when the proposals made to His Majesty's Government by the U.S.S.R. were received, and whether His Majesty's Government have accepted them in principle.

The Prime Minister

As the House is aware, conversations have been proceeding for some weeks past with the Government of the U.S.S.R. and other interested Governments. During the course of these conversations various proposals and counter-proposals have been put for- ward on both sides, and discussions on them are still proceeding. I do not feel that, pending the conclusion of these discussions, it would be right for me to make public any details.

Mr. Attlee

Is the Prime Minister aware that many people are disturbed at the very slow progress of these negotiations, and it is felt that the Government are not pressing on with them as rapidly as they might?

The Prime Minister

I cannot help if people get that sort of idea, and I hope the right hon. Gentleman will not do anything to encourage it. I am sure he does not wish to make mischief between the U.S.S.R. and the present Government. We are carrying on discussions of a perfectly friendly character. There must necessarily be a great many details to be considered, and there are other Governments to be considered. Although I quite understand that there may be a certain amount of impatience because it seems that there is a long delay, but I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that there is no want of good will on the part of the Government.

Mr. A. Henderson

May I ask when the Prime Minister expects to be in a position to make a statement on the matter?

The Prime Minister

I cannot possibly give any date when the discussions will be completed, but I shall make a statement to the House as soon as there is anything of which to inform the House.

Mr. Attlee

May I ask when the last exchange of views took place?

The Prime Minister

I think I have informed the House already that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary saw the Russian Ambassador immediately on his return to this country.

Colonel Wedgwood

Do the Government really want to conclude this agreement or not?

The Prime Minister

Of course they do, but they must discuss the best form it should take.

Mr. Mander

Has the Prime Minister seen the statement in the "Times" that the Government are endeavouring to restrict the nature of the agreement and the proposals put forward by the Soviet Government?

The Prime Minister

I think the House will do well to await the official statement.

Mr. De la Bèere

Are not the Supplementary Questions of the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) very unfortunate?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that an early conclusion of an agreement with the Soviet Government would have a much greater restraining power on any possible aggressor than any other Measure?