Oral Answers to Questions — Saar (French Proposals)

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 3 Chwefror 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Maurice Edelman Mr Maurice Edelman , Coventry West 12:00, 3 Chwefror 1947

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the attitude of His Majesty's Government to the incorporation of the Saar territory in the French customs system.

Photo of Mr Christopher Mayhew Mr Christopher Mayhew , Norfolk Southern

I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's speech in this House on 22nd October, in which he stated that His Majesty's Government are prepared to accept the French proposals about the Saar, subject to the necessary adjustments of the French reparations balance and the delimitation of the exact area. This still represents the policy of His Majesty's Government, in whose opinion a final settlement of the issues raised by the recent incorporation of the Saar in the French Customs Union must await quadripartite decision.

Photo of Mr Maurice Edelman Mr Maurice Edelman , Coventry West

Will the Under-Secretary confirm that His Majesty's Government will view favourably the permanent economic integration of the Saar with France?

Photo of Mr Christopher Mayhew Mr Christopher Mayhew , Norfolk Southern

We have. Sir, already made our views clear to the French Government. I think the important factor is that this will be discussed at the Council of Foreign Ministers, and that we do not want to prejudge the question of the future frontiers of Germany, or the amount of reparations due to France.