"With the Prime Minister's consent, 1 told the Soviet Ambassador of the information at our disposal and of the yer which I was convinced con fronted his country. T gave him, of his request, details of that information as we thought we were bound to do. But even at that late hour the Soviet Government was anxious to avoid any expression or opinion which might seem to throw doubt on the observance of their engagement with, Germany, "That was some weeks ago," Mr, Eden continued, "It was this assess ment of impending events that caused me to ask our Ambassador to Moscow to return to this country for constitution, T felt that his experience fend advice would be invaluable at [such a time, and so it has proved.
"The House and the country are doubly indebted to Sir Staffor! Cripps for work done in conditions of utmost difeulty. For reasons I have given he was unable to conclude any of those pacts or agreements which were once dear to a diplomatist's heart—although today they enjoy but q brief bbutlerfy life, Yet it is clear that by his influence and example Sir Star ford has shown to the Soviet Union the fundamental desire of the British Government to maintain our relations upon a normal footing, "When he returns to Moscow he will be able to advise and direct the help which it is declared it is the intention of the British Government to give the Soviet Government at the present time. (Cheers),
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.