HC Deb 06 April 1933 vol 276 cc1913-5
46. Mr. JOHN MORRIS

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give a day for the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Salford, North: That this House, whilst not desirous of interfering with the domestic government of any country, observes with regret the continued persecution of Jews in Germany, recognising that the Jewish race cannot be identified with any particular nation, extends to British Jews its sympathy in the hour of their trial caused by the persecution of their co-religionists and requests His Majesty's Government, in the interests of world peace and the advancement of international trade, to make friendly representations to the German Government, in accordance with our ancient tradition, to respect the numerical weakness and defenceless position of Jews in Germany.

The PRIME MINISTER

I regret that the press of Parliamentary business makes it impossible to allot time for the discussion of this Motion. The views widely held in this country have, however, recently found very full expression.

Mr. MORRIS

While thanking the Prime Minister for his reply, might I ask if the House is to have no opportunity of registering the strong feeling that obviously exists upon all sides against the persecution of Jews in Germany?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is a matter of discretion. We are quite willing to leave it at the moment where it is.

53. Major NATHAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now able to make a statement as to the general situation in Germany and, in particular, as to the situation of the Jews in that country, and as to the measures of discrimination directed against them?

55. Mr. JANNER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a report from the British Ambassador in Berlin in respect of the treatment of Jews in Germany?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)

As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to the Leader of the Opposition on the 30th March, His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin has been asked to furnish a report, and he prefers to await this before making any general statement regarding the situation in Germany.

Major NATHAN

Is the hon. Gentleman in a position to indicate any date by which a report from His Majesty's. Ambassador may be expected?

Mr. EDEN

We expect it very shortly; I hope during the course of the week-end.

Mr. JANNER

Will the hon. Member press for a reply by the end of the week in view of the great anxiety which is being felt on all sides, and, in connection with that reply, will he endeavour to obtain particulars concerning the Jews in German Upper Silesia who are being displaced from their vocations and treated with violence, particularly in view of the German Polish Convention which was entered into on 15th May, 1922?

Mr. EDEN

There will be no avoidable delay. Obviously, the preparation of a report of this kind takes time. The more details for which we ask, the longer it will take to obtain them.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that this question may become urgent, and that it is nearing the time for Parliament to adjourn, will not the hon. Gentleman at least see that a statement is issued before the Adjournment in case we may wish to raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment?

Mr. EDEN

The hon. Member may be sure that the House will be given information as soon as we are in a position to do so, and if we are able to do so after we have examined the report of His Majesty's Ambassador.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Do not these events show that the mentality which caused the Belgian atrocities in 1914 still exists in Germany?

Mr. LANSBURY

Will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend whether it is possible for the League of Nations to be asked to take steps to deal with the very large number of refugees who have been driven out of Germany just now?

HON. MEMBERS

Russia—

Mr. LANSBURY

Exactly; I am willing to do the same for our people in Russia too. But one question at a time is enough.

Mr. EDEN

Of course, I will consider what the right hon. Gentleman says, but he has given me no notice of this question.

Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSON

Does not the League of Nations exist to help persecuted minorities?