HC Deb 08 November 1939 vol 353 cc188-9
3. Mr. Thurtle

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have yet reached any decision regarding the publication of a White Paper covering the negotiations which took place with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, prior to the announcement that Russia had arrived at an agreement with the Nazi Government of Germany?

Mr. Butler

I would refer the hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith) on nth October and to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 25th October.

Mr. Thurtle

Is the Under-Secretary aware that in some quarters responsibility for the failure of these negotiations is placed entirely on this country? In those circumstances, would it not be a good thing to make the facts known, so that people may judge for themselves?

Mr. Butler

I need hardly say that interpretation is not correct. I appreciate the difficulty of the hon. Member, but if he will refer to the answers I have given previously he will see that there are great difficulties about publishing the information required.

Mr. Mander

Have the Russian Government any objection to the publication of these documents?

Mr. Butler

I answer merely for our Government.

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