§ 8. Mr. Priceasked the Prime Minister whether, after the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics had approached His Majesty's Government with a request to pass on terms of peace with Finland which could not be considered, any steps were taken to find out whether the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics regarded these as final terms and were not prepared to negotiate on them?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. It was considered at the time that the Soviet Government would not be prepared to modify these terms, and this judgment has been confirmed by subsequent events.
§ Mr. G. StraussDoes the Minister appreciate that it was the British Government, and not the German Government, that the Soviet Union approached for the settlement of this matter?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir; that is fully appreciated.
§ Mr. H. StraussIs it not probable that they did so on the suggestion of the German Government?
§ Mr. ButlerThat is not necessarily so at all.