HC Deb 20 December 1944 vol 406 cc1756-7
11. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government were informed of the terms of the Franco-Soviet Treaty before publication; and whether he was satisfied that the new features in the Treaty in no way conflict with the security organisation agreed at Dumbarton Oaks.

Mr. Eden

His Majesty's Government were consulted before negotiations began on the Franco-Soviet pact and they replied that they welcomed the idea of a Franco-Soviet pact similar to the Anglo-Soviet Treaty as an additional link between the Great European Allies. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the preamble to the Franco-Soviet Treaty which expressly records the joint conviction of the two Governments that the maintenance of peace in the future will require the closest collaboration with all the United Nations and their joint determination to collaborate in the creation of an international system of security. It seems clear that there is therefore no question of any conflict between the Franco-Soviet Treaty and the future World Security Organisation, which all parties are agreed in wishing to establish.

Miss Ward

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the full text of the Treaty is to be published, without any reservations?

Mr. Eden

The whole text of the Treaty has already appeared in the Press.

Sir Herbert Williams

May I ask whether it is the case that the Dumbarton Oaks arrangement is not binding on anybody, and is it the case that it has not been ratified by the Senate of the United States?

Mr. Eden

I do not think I said it was.

Mr. Astor

Is there any prospect that this Treaty will be completed by an Anglo-French Treaty, too?