§ 1. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Prime Minister whether he has now considered the need to publish a Blue Book containing documents, etc., concerning the relations of Great Britain and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the period of August, 1938, to October, 1939, and containing documents, etc., that passed between representatives of the two Governments dealing with their relations with other Governments?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)My Noble Friend has given careful consideration to this question, but he is not prepared to authorise the publication of these documents at the present time.
§ Mr. ManderIs it not very important that the true facts in regard to what happened in this negotiation should be known to the people of this country and the world? What possible objection is there to doing it?
§ Mr. ButlerMy Noble Friend has given consideration to the important points raised by the hon. Member. It should be remembered that in the exchange of views which took place between His Majesty's Government and the U.S.S.R. we took into consideration the position of several other Governments. This point should be borne in mind when considering publication.
§ 2. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister what action he is proposing to take with reference to the proposal put forward by the Soviet Government for the resumption of trade negotiations with Great Britain?
§ Mr. ButlerThe question of adapting Anglo-Soviet trade relations to the conditions of the present war is now under consideration. Some of the preliminary difficulties are under discussion with the Soviet Government.
§ Mr. ManderIn view of the request for the opening of negotiations made a fortnight ago, cannot the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the intention of the Government to take up the negotiations or not?
§ Mr. ButlerAll questions arising out of war conditions are being most actively pursued at this present minute.
§ Mr. ManderDoes not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that I am not talking about that but about the negotiations for trade beween the two countries, and about the request which was conveyed by the Russian Government to His Majesty's Government as long ago as a fortnight?
§ Mr. ButlerIf the hon. Gentleman is referring to the visit of my right hon. Friend the Secretary for the Overseas Trade Department to Moscow, no actual suggestion for the resumption of those trade talks has been made.
§ Mr. ThorneDoes not the Minister think that if trade were carried on between this country and Russia, and carried in Russian ships, no possible harm could result?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government look upon Anglo-Soviet trade as extremely important.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-TroyteAre we to let the Russian Government double-cross us again?
§ Mr. ManderOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.