HC Deb 19 February 1941 vol 369 cc130-1
4. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on the progress of negotiations between this country and the Soviet Union?

Mr. Butler

I can only refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 21st January and state that matters have as yet been carried no further by the Soviet Government.

Mr. Cocks

Regarding that part of the negotiations which relate to the recognition of the former Baltic States, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the opinion of many British jurists the distinction between de facto and de jure recognition is almost negligible, and as the Soviet Government want this recognition, should we allow such a small thing to interfere with the establishment of better relations with that country?

Mr. Butler

There are not only small but certain large issues involved in the question. I could not take it further at the present time.

Mr. Mander

Is it not a fact that at the present time Russia is simply terrified of Germany, and nothing else matters?

Viscountess Astor

And nobody is terrified of Russia.

Sir Irving Albery

Will His Majesty's Government consider asking our Ambassador in Moscow to return to this country and report to this House at a Secret Sitting?

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