§ 11. Mr. Ronald Chamberlainasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that no obligations will be entered into under the terms of the proposed Atlantic Pact whereby this country would automatically become a belligerent in the event of hostilities between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
§ Mr. ChamberlainIs my right hon. Friend aware of the consternation that his refusal of this very moderate and modest request will cause, and that there is great public concern about what is cooking in Washington?
§ Mr. BevinI have not heard of any consternation. When this Pact is completed—and it is not completed yet—it will be considered by the Cabinet and will be laid on the Table of the House and debated.
§ Mr. PiratinToo late.
§ Mr. WarbeyOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I asked for guidance a few days ago and you gave a Ruling about our responsibility for trials in foreign countries. It now appears that the Foreign Secretary has enunciated a principle in regard to our interest in, and responsibility for, such matters which 349 differs from the Ruling you gave. I wonder if we could have your further considered Ruling on this matter?
§ Mr. SpeakerI was not aware that the Foreign Secretary said anything new. I thought the Question referred to foreign observers going to a trial.
Vice-Admiral TaylorI would like to ask the Foreign Secretary if it is not essential that, in the event of any warlike action by Communist Russia against the United States of America, we should do everything in our power to aid America?
§ Mr. BevinI cannot discuss the Pact now, but I am inclined to the view that when the Pact is completed on a satisfactory basis it will create the best conditions for discussing peace in the world.