45. Mr. De la Béreasked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to retaining and increasing the many friends and adherents of this country on the Continent, he will give an assurance that the Government will develop, side by side with the old methods of diplomacy, a real economic and social diplomacy?
§ The Prime MinisterThe advance throughout the generations toward a real economic and social diplomacy must be faithfully pursued as opportunity occurs.
Mr. De Ia BéreIs the Prime Minister aware that the important point of the Question is that the diplomats of the future should have training as commercial attachés as well as on the old lines, 603 because one is just as important as the other?
§ The Prime MinisterMy reply to that point will be comprised within the somewhat wide scope of my original answer.
Viscountess AstorWill the right hon. Gentleman take care that we keep the friends that we have already, particularly France, and see that they get better propaganda?