741.61/918: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 23—1:44 p.m.]
265. Following is the text of a statement made in the House of Commons on January 21st by Mr. R. A. Butler, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in reply to a question whether active steps were being taken to improve relations between this country and Russia:
“Yes, His Majesty’s Government for their part have made proposals for an Anglo-Soviet trade agreement on 15th June and 21st October last year. Suggestions for a wider political understanding were also made on 22nd October. These various proposals have not been taken any further by the Soviet Government. The present situation is that the next step rests with them.”