§ 16. Mr. Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Anglo-French Economic Committee has yet met to discuss the implications of the Monnet Plan; and when it is anticipated that any conclusions will be reached regarding future economic relations between the two countries.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Anglo-French Economic Committee, which met in Paris. from 18th to 20th January, have exchanged preliminary views on the Monnet Plan. These discussions will be continued after Parliament has debated the forthcoming White Paper on the economic situation in the United Kingdom in 1947.
§ Mr. MayhewThe scope of the negotiations for the French Treaty were referred to in the communique issued after M. Blum's visit. I do not think I cam add to that.
§ 17. Mr. Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how soon it is anticipated that the Anglo-French Treaty of Alliance will be concluded; and what is the scope of the present negotiations.
§ Mr. MayhewI hope that the negotiations will be begun very soon, and I am confident that they will be quickly completed. The nature of the proposed Treaty was indicated in the communique issued at the conclusion of M. Blum's visit, the relevant part of which was quoted by the Prime Minister in his statement in the House on 23rd January.