§ 43. Mr. Ronald Chamberlainasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ascertain the intentions of the French Government in regard to Indo-China before proceeding with negotiations for an Anglo-French treaty.
§ Mr. BevinNo, Sir. As the Prime Minister made it clear in his statement in the House on 23rd January the object of the proposed treaty is to prevent any further aggression by Germany. It is the intention of His Majesty's Government to conclude the negotiations as soon as possible.
§ Mr. ChamberlainIs my right hon. Friend aware that the statement issued at the end of M. Blum's visit did make a wider reference to the need for the preservation of peace and security in the general sense, and is he aware that many of us are extremely concerned at this recrudescence of Imperialism on the part of France? [HON. MEMBERS: "Nonsense."] Will he bear in mind that we are not only a Socialist Party, but an international Socialist Party?
§ Mr. BevinI have all these things in mind, but I think I must leave this particular dispute to France.
§ Mr. ChamberlainIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter as soon as possible on the Adjournment.