§ 4. Mr. Priceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in connection with the Anglo-Turkish Alliance, he can make any statement on the declaration of the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on its relations with Turkey?
§ Mr. ButlerThe recent Turco-Soviet declaration contained the following passage: —
Should Turkey in fact be the object of aggression and be involved in war in defence of her territory, Turkey could then in accordance with the Turco-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact count upon the full understanding and neutrality of the Soviet Union.The House will remember that under Protocol 2 of our Treaty of Mutual Assistance with Turkey, the obligations undertaken by Turkey cannot compel her to take action having as its effect, or involving as its consequence, her entry into armed conflict with the Soviet Union. Such a possibility would appear to be even further removed by the recent declaration of the Soviet Government.
§ Mr. PriceCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this agreement can be regarded as facilitating possible future developments between ourselves and the U.S.S.R. over the Middle East?
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not the declaration by the Soviet Union in relation to Turkey regarded by the Government as eminently satisfactory?
§ Mar. ButlerYes, Sir.
§ Mr. ButlerWe have always hoped that such developments would draw closer our relations with the Soviet Government.