HC Deb 21 August 1940 vol 364 cc1278-9
6. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any discussions have taken place between His Majesty's Government and the Polish Government concerning the formulation of a common foreign policy; and, if so, whether complete agreement has been reached?

8. Mr. Hicks

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in his negotiations with the Polish Government representatives, he was informed that Poland considers herself at war with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether he is in a position to make a statement on the matter?

Mr. Butler

There is the closest collaboration between His Majesty's Government and the Polish Government on all matters concerning the conduct of the war, including questions of foreign policy. Since September of last year the Polish Government have left His Majesty's Government in no doubt that they could only regard the violation by the Soviet Union of the Soviet-Polish Non-Aggression Pact as placing them in a state of war with the Soviet Union. For the rest, as I told the hon. Member for the Western Isles (Mr. M. MacMillan) on 15th August, my Noble Friend is not prepared to take upon himself the duty of giving information on the relations between an independent Government and other foreign Governments.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the fact that the only centre from which the so-called Polish Government can carry on war against the Soviet Union is this country, does the right hon. Gentleman consider that that is helping what he claims to be the desire of His Majesty's Government for better relations with the Soviet Union?

Mr. Butler

The hon. Member had better leave the relations with the Soviet Union and this country to His Majesty's Government. He knows quite well that it is the desire of His Majesty's Government to improve relations with the Soviet Union.

Mr. Lipson

In view of the close relationship between the Polish Government and His Majesty's Government, will my right hon. Friend draw the attention of the Polish Government to the undesirability of the magazine published by representatives of the Polish Council?