HC Deb 05 May 1939 vol 346 cc2219-22
Mr. Attlee

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the progress of the negotiations with the U.S.S.R.?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

As I said in reply to the right hon. Gentleman on Tuesday, discussions on the various proposals and counter-proposals which have been put forward are still proceeding with the Government of the U.S.S.R. and other interested Governments. There has at no stage been any avoidable delay on the part of His Majesty's Government in pressing forward with those discussions. In particular, views on the Soviet proposals have been exchanged with the French Government. A communication was received yesterday on this subject from the French Government, and it is hoped to be able to send a further expression of His Majesty's Government's views to Moscow in the very near future.

Mr. T. Williams

Do we understand that representatives of His Majesty's Government and representatives of the Soviet Republics are in more or less constant negotiation on the terms that have been submitted to His Majesty's Government?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir, that is quite right.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm the report that the Soviet proposals were received on 15th April?

The Prime Minister

I would not like to say without notice, but I rather think that that is correct.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of the grave urgency of the situation in Europe, and in view of the fact that the Government have accepted the principle of military co-operation on the widest possible basis with those who are willing to resist aggression, is it not time that the Government made up their mind to accept the cooperation of the Soviet Republic?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir; we cannot accept the view, which I think the hon. Member takes, that we should give up altogether our own opinions and accept without question those of some other Government. We have to look after the interests of this country, and also to look at the probabilities of achieving success in the policy we are following, I believe with the approval of hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite. We have to take into consideration all the factors which bear on this question.

Mr. Attlee

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is uncertainty as to whether the Government are really following the policy upon which we on this side have agreed, and that the delays and dilatory action are causing uncertainty? May I ask him whether, if I put a Question down next week, he will be able to give me definite information?

The Prime Minister

I do realise that uncertainty is being created by a number of people who are all the time suggesting that, if there is any fault, it must be the fault of the British Government. That is a purely partisan attitude, and I do not think it is conducive to the interests of this country; but I cannot be held responsible for that. I have said that there has been ho delay on the part of the Government in carrying on these discussions, and I have no reason to suppose that we shall not arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, but it is quite impossible for me to give a date at which I shall be able to say that conclusions have been reached.

Mr. Attlee

I did not ask the right hon. Gentleman for a date, but for an indication of when he though it would be possible, if I put down a Question, to get some definite assurance on this matter. May I ask him whether he does not realise that the uncertainty is caused by his own past record?

The Prime Minister

That is another partisan observation which is characteristic of the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Since we are all agreed that it must be the purpose of the Govern-made to avoid misunderstanding, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether, in view of the fact that the issue is one of peace or war for this nation, it is not desirable that the nation should be informed what the proposals made really are, in order that they may judge for themselves?

The Prime Minister

I think that, when a conclusion has been arrived at, it would be very desirable that the nation should have full information, but I do not think that, while the negotiations are still in progress, it is desirable to publish a stage at which they have arrived or the nature of the various proposals which are being put forward on one side or the other; and, if the "Times" is to be believed—a paper which I think is generally read very attentively by hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite—the Soviet Government do not think it good for their people even to publish that any proposals or counter-proposals are being discussed at all.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is it not desirable that public opinion should know what the proposals are before the country is presented with a fait accompli?

The Prime Minister

I have nothing further to add to what I have said already.

Sir Percy Harris

Does not this largely depend on the attitude of at least four different countries? Are not the Government in close contact with France, Poland, Rumania and Greece?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir, that is quite correct, and I would add Turkey as well.

Mr. T. Williams

While we appreciate the need for some delay, may I ask whether, since the Soviet Republics have submitted their terms, any counter-proposals have been made to Russia?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the statement made by Stalin that the Soviet Union is very anxious indeed to provide assistance for any country that is attacked by an aggressor, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider making personal contact in order to get Stalin's own view?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps the hon. Member would suggest with whom I should make personal contact, because personalities change rather rapidly.