HC Deb 11 March 1940 vol 358 cc836-7
Mr. Attlee (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make regarding the negotiations between Finland and the Soviet Union?

The Prime Minister

The House will be aware that both the French and British Governments have sent and are continuing to send material assistance to Finland. This has been of considerable value to the Finnish Forces. As His Majesty's Government and the French Government have already informed the Finnish Government, they are prepared, in response to an appeal from them for further aid, to proceed immediately and jointly, to the help of Finland, using all available resources at their disposal.

Mr. Attlee

Can the Prime Minister give the House any information with regard to the question of any settlement of this dispute?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir, I am afraid that I have no information which is sufficiently reliable to give to the House at the present moment.

Mr. Maxton

Is it not the case that the British Government themselves were asked to act as intermediaries in this matter?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

Mr. Maxton

But has not the Prime Minister seen to-day's papers, in which it is stated very definitely that the British Government were asked to act as intermediaries in this dispute, and declined? Surely it is possible for the Prime Minister to say something to the country about this matter now and not later.

The Prime Minister

It would be untrue to say that the British Government have been asked to mediate, but there was an occasion on which the Soviet Ambassador mentioned certain terms which his Government would be prepared to offer to Finland, and His Majesty's Government did not feel able to pass on those terms.

Mr. Attlee

May I take it that any aid sent to Finland will be in fulfilment of the Covenant of the League of Nations and in co-operation with other States similarly bound, and that there is no intention of making any attack upon the U.S.S.R.?

The Prime Minister

Certainly, it will be in accordance with our obligations under the Covenant. As for co-operation with other States, I have already mentioned France in association with ourselves, but, of course, I cannot say to-day what other States can be included.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is not this tantamount to our going to war with Russia?

The Prime Minister

We have not arrived at that yet.

Mr. Sloan

If the British Government are prepared to send troops to Finland, are they prepared to violate the neutrality of Norway in so doing?

The Prime Minister

I cannot add anything to the statement I have made.