Britain and the Soviet Union have signed an agreement whereby each will support the other in every way in the war against Hitlerite Germany, and neither will sign a separate armistice or peace except by mutual agreement.

The agreement was signed on Saturday in Moscow by M. Molotov and Sir Stafford Cripps. It was the result of negotiations between Sir Stafford and Stalin, who was present at the ceremony.

The pact, it was stated in London, does not mean alliance, but the term "co-belligerents" was used to describe the relations between Britain and Russia.

The statement announcing the pact is headed "An Anglo-Russian Agreement" and declares:

"Agreement for joint action  by his Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Government of the U.S.S.R., in the war against Germany.

"His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Government of the U.S.S.R. have concluded the present agreement and declare as follows:

PACT IN FORCE IMMEDIATELY

The contradicting parties have agreed that this agreement enters into force as from the moment of signature and is not subject to ratification.

It was concluded on the evening of July 12, 1941, and was signed by authority of his Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom by Sir Stafford Cripps, his Majesty's Ambassador, and by authority of the Government of the Union of the Soviet Socialistic Republics by M. V. Molotov, Deputy President of the Council of the People's Commissars and People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs.

The agreement was concluded in English and Russian.

Among those representing Britain at the signing of the agreement were Lieutenant-General F. M. Mason Macfarlane, head of the military Mission, and Mr. Laurence Cadbury, head of the Economic Mission.

As reported by the News Chronicle