HC Deb 03 May 1939 vol 346 cc1850-1
8 and 11. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister (1) to what extent the assurance recently given by His Majesty's Government to Poland was inconsistent with the provisions of the Anglo-German Naval Treaty; and whether the treaty contained any clause permitting either Government to denounce its validity;

(2) whether he has any statement to make on the recent denunciation of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement by the German Government?

15. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make concerning the denunciation by Germany of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement; and whether it is proposed to accept the invitation of Herr Hitler to negotiate another naval agreement?

The Prime Minister

His Majesty's Government are considering the recent announcements of the German Government on the subject of the Anglo-German Naval Agreements of 1935 and 1937. His Majesty's Government do not regard the assurances recently given by them to Poland as in any way inconsistent with the provisions of the Anglo-German Naval Agreements. There is no provision in the Agreements which permits either Government to denounce their validity.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is it the intention of the Government to ask Sir Nevile Henderson to come home to report on the denunciation of this treaty by the German Government?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that is necessary.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

May I ask whether, on examination, any justification whatsoever has been found for the grounds on which Herr Hitler has denounced this treaty; and will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the latter part of my question, where I ask whether it is proposed to accept the invitation of Herr Hitler to negotiate a further naval treaty?

The Prime Minister

As to the first part of the question, I think that I have already made that clear in the statement which I have just made. With regard to the second part, I am not sure that the proposal of Herr Hitler is to negotiate a second treaty, but His Majesty's Government are considering what reply they should make to the German Government.