HC Deb 19 November 1941 vol 376 cc280-2
5. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken with regard to our relationship with Finland, in view of the request made to His Majesty's Government by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the announcement made by Mr. Cordell Hull?

6. Major Vyvyan Adams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the relations of the United Kingdom with Finland, Rumania and Hungary?

9. Mr. Silverman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any decision has yet been reached to re-define the relations of this country with Finland, Hungary and Rumania?

11. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date the Soviet Government requested the British Government to declare war on Finland, Hungary and Rumania; what reply was sent; and whether he will now comply with the request without further delay?

Mr. Eden

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject, and in the circumstances I hope that the House will not press me to do so.

Mr. Mander

In view of the fact that it is now more than four weeks since our Soviet Allies asked us to take action on these lines, and that this is a simple thing we might do to help our Allies right away, does not my right hon. Friend think he ought to come to a decision in the near future?

Mr. Eden

As soon as I am in a position to give the House information, of course I shall do so, but, meanwhile, I am convinced it would not be in the public interest for me to add anything to what I have said.

Mr. G. Strauss

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, in principle at any rate, any country attacking Soviet Russia is attacking us and that any enemy of Soviet Russia is our enemy?

Mr. Eden

All military and naval action, and so on, is taking place against these countries.

Mr. Silverman

What advantage is derived from hesitating to regard Allies of Germany as enemies of this country?

Major V. Adams

While I understand my right hon. Friend's caution, may I ask whether it is not true that the only possible basis of an alliance is common friends and common enemies?

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