18. Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked what steps it is proposed to take in relation to 369 the atrocities committed upon rubber collectors employed in the Putumayo district of Peru, as disclosed in the recent Blue Book, Cd. 6266?
§ 19. Mr. BARNESalso asked if the Foreign Secretary, in conjunction with the United States Government, will take more effective steps than have yet been taken to bring to an end the horrors committed on the Indian population of Peru in connection with the collection of rubber?
§ Mr. ACLANDIt must be clearly understood that though it has been thought right to publish facts which had come to our knowledge, they relate to territory in which His Majesty's Government have no responsibility, and no power of direct interference. I hope that the publication of the Papers will be helpful by its effect upon public opinion and by stimulating private enterprise to establish a, mission. As the hon. Member must be aware from the Papers published, we have been in close communication with the Government of the United States, and whenever our sympathy and support will be helpful it will be readily forthcoming.
Sir GILBERT PARKERMay I ask the hon. Gentleman if he can recall the fact that I asked him whether he would be prepared to answer a question upon this matter and he said it would be better not to do so, and may I ask him therefore why he accepts and answers questions from Members on his own side on the matter?
§ Mr. ACLANDI am afraid I cannot recall any question the hon. Member asked since the publication of this Blue Book that I said I could not answer.
Sir G. PARKERDoes the hon. Gentleman not remember that I asked him privately whether a question would be answered by the Foreign Office if I put it, and does he not remember I stated that I did not want to inconvenience the Foreign Office in any way?
§ Mr. ACLANDNo, Sir. The hon. Member asked me whether he should be at liberty to ask a private notice question at the close of questions which is always regarded as an urgent matter, and I said it would be better to put the question on the Paper.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILMay I ask the hon. Gentleman, when he says this country has no responsibility in the 370 matter, whether it is not a fact that a certain number of those suffering from the horrible atrocities are British subjects?
§ Mr. ACLANDThat was so, and that was why we were able to get the matter so fully investigated.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I ask whether, on 27th June, the Foreign Office telegraphed that, in the opinion of the Foreign Secretary, this condition of things was being continued?
§ Mr. ACLANDPerhaps, as the hon. Gentleman makes reference to a Paper I have not before me at the moment, it would be better to put the question down.
§ Mr. ACLANDThe hon. Member has no doubt seen the statement in the Press as to the appeal made for funds in support of the mission. The persons making the appeal have intimate knowledge, and I do not think it would be wise to interfere.
§ Mr. MOOREThere are two appeals, one from the Protestant and one from the Roman Catholic Church. Which are the Government going to support?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe answer I gave was that the effort was being made by absolutely private enterprise to establish a mission.