Oral Answers to Questions — Anglo-French Conversations

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 23 Ionawr 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr William Warbey Mr William Warbey , Luton 12:00, 23 Ionawr 1947

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of his conversations with the President of the French Republic.

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

His Majesty's Government were very glad to welcome Monsieur Blum in London once again and his visit provided the opportunity of a most useful exchange of views. Hon. Members will have seen from the communique issued at the conclusion of the visit that our discussions covered a wide field, that agreement was reached on a number of important questions both political and economic, and that, in particular, it was agreed that a Treaty of Alliance should be concluded between the two countries at the earliest possible moment within the framework of Article 52 of the Charter of the United Nations and with the object of preventing any further aggression by Germany and of preserving peace and security. There is no need for me to enlarge on the communique, but I would like to make it clear that His Majesty's Government are anxious to enter into negotiations for such a Treaty of Alliance as soon as the new French Government is ready to do so.

Photo of Mr William Warbey Mr William Warbey , Luton

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear that this proposed Anglo-French Treaty, which will be warmly welcomed in all quarters of the House, is not in any way a substitute for the Anglo-Soviet Treaty, but is intended as a supple- ment to a general system of European security, of which the Anglo-Soviet Treaty constitutes an essential part?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

Obviously a treaty with one Power cannot be a substitute for a treaty with another. Our French friends and our Russian friends have a treaty and we have a treaty with our Russian friends. The more treaties and alliances we can get within the ambit of the United Nations the better.

Photo of Viscount  Hinchingbrooke Viscount Hinchingbrooke , Dorset Southern

Will the Anglo-French Treaty be followed up by economic conversations in order to make it additionally valuable?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

They are already proceeding.

Photo of Colonel Sir Alan Gomme-Duncan Colonel Sir Alan Gomme-Duncan , Perth

For the purpose of accuracy would the Prime Minister give us the dates when M. Blum was President of the French Republic, as mentioned in the Question?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

It is not my mistake; it should have been "President of the Council of Ministers."

Photo of Mr William Warbey Mr William Warbey , Luton

On a point of Order. The Question, as I drafted it, referred to the "President of the French Government," which, I believe, was the correct title at the time.

Photo of Mr Adam M'Kinlay Mr Adam M'Kinlay , Dunbartonshire

Will publicity be given to the fact that the visit of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff to Moscow was not aimed at the United States of America?