HC Deb 17 January 1945 vol 407 cc136-7
5. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs upon what date His Majesty's Government received from the Ministers representing Latvia, Lithuania and Esthonia formal declarations that the republics which they represented desired to maintain their independence and not become part of the Soviet Union.

Mr. Eden

The three Ministers referred to in the question made to His Majesty's Government communications expressing their views on the events which had just taken place in the Baltic States and expressing the hope that His Majesty's Government would not recognise the incorporation of those States in the Soviet Union. These communications were received upon 23rd July, 1940.

Sir A. Southby

Has my right hon. Friend read the statement made by the President of the United States to the effect that even the smallest nations have a right to their own independence; and is not this a case where we might apply the principles of the Atlantic Charter?

Mr. Eden

My hon. and gallant Friend asked when we received these representations and I have told him.