HC Deb 20 March 1940 vol 358 cc1956-7
7. Mr. Riley

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the termination of the invasion of Finland by Russia, he will now consider the advisability of issuing a White Paper setting forth the negotiations for an entente between Great Britain, France and Russia which preceded the invasion of Poland by Germany and Russia?

Mr. Butler

The Government's decision on this matter was conveyed to the House by the Prime Minister on 6th March, and recent events do not cause them to modify that decision.

Mr. Riley

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the country is entitled to know the grounds on which the negotiations broke down, and is he not aware that there is a great desire to get the facts as to what led up to this failure?

Mr. Butler

I appreciate the hon. Member's anxiety to know the full facts, but he will remember that the Prime Minister said that we had had consultations with the French Government, and, after a full review of the circumstances, had decided not to publish a White Paper.

Mr. Attlee

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that a statement was made to this House that we should have the facts? After all, it is this House and this Government that have to decide, not other countries.

Mr. Butler

This Government has decided.

Mr. Mander

Is the only account we an: to have M. Molotov's account?

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