§ 51. Mr. Stanley Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any statement to make on the possibility of a peace treaty being now concluded with Japan.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesNo, Sir. There are no developments to report other than those described by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, in reply to the hon. Member for the Pavilion Division of Brighton (Mr. Teeling) on 13th March.
§ Mr. PrescottWill the hon. Gentleman undertake that the views of this country and the Dominions shall receive full consideration, and would he also agree that exploratory talks should be undertaken with the United States at the earliest possible moment?
§ Mr. DaviesI can certainly give an assurance to that effect.
§ Mr. Anthony NuttingDoes the hon. Gentleman recall that at the Canberra Conference some two years ago the delegates there present representing this country and the Empire countries involved expressed the hope publicly that the Japanese peace treaty would be signed at latest by mid-1948, and how much longer is this matter to be allowed to drag on?
§ Mr. DaviesAs the hon. Member is aware, there have been certain developments and changes since then, and every effort is being made to bring about as early as possible discussions on the peace treaty.
§ Mr. TeelingIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Russia and the new Government of China are on the point of asking Japan for a peace treaty with them, and will he take care that the United States do not find themselves in a very invidious position and that we are left to follow the United States?
§ Mr. DaviesMy right hon. Friend has no information to that effect. We are not responsible for the action which is taken by other Governments.
§ Mr. PrescottIs it not a fact that no peace treaty can be signed by the United States by themselves?
§ Mr. DaviesYes, Sir.