HC Deb 12 March 1923 vol 161 cc1020-1
60. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether the Ambassadors' Conference proposes to decide the question of the boundary between Poland and Eastern Galicia, or the fate and future government of Eastern Galicia, without hearing the case for the Ruthenes or Ukrainians; and whether the majority vote of the Ambassadors' Conference is final or whether, if unanimous agreement is not reached, the matter will he referred to the League of Nations?

Mr. McNEILL

As regards the first part of the question. I have nothing to add to the reply returned to the hon. and gallant Member for Rye on the 7th instant. Decisions arrived at by the Ambassadors' Conference must be unanimous. Failing such unanimity, I am not at present in a position to state what course of action will be pursued.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are we to understand that the ambassadors are now deciding on this question of Eastern Galicia without hearing the case of the Galicians?

Mr. McNEILL

I think if the hon. and gallant Member will look at the question to which I have referred him, he will see that that Ambassadors' Conference can hear evidence or representations from any source.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

They are at liberty to hear these people if they want to be heard?

Mr. McNEILL

Certainly.

64. Mr. J. BUTLER

asked the Prime Minister whether a delegation claiming to represent the people of Eastern Galicia has asked to be allowed to lay their views before the Council of Ambassadors; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government will instruct their representative on the Council to press for such facilities being given?

Mr. McNEILL

As regards the first part of the question I have no information. With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, on the 7th instant.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

As a matter of fact, is the Ukrainian case being put before the Ambassadors' Conference?

Mr. McNEILL

I do not know.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to find out?

Mr. McNEILL

Certainly I will look into the matter.

Mr. CHARLES BUXTON

Can the hon. Gentleman give us some assurance that the question of Eastern Galicia will not be decided until the Ukrainian national representatives have been heard?

Mr. McNEILL

I cannot say that. As I have already stated, discretion in the matter rests with the Ambassadors' Conference.