§ 58. Mr. ASQUITHasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government is now in a position to make any statement in regard to Poland?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)As the House is aware, one of the first acts of the Provisional Russian Government was to issue a Proclamation to the Poles, recognising their right to decide their own destiny, and stating that the creation of an independent Polish State would be a sure guarantee of durable peace in Europe. I am confident that I rightly interpret the feeling of this House when I say that we welcome that declaration and look forward to the time when, thanks to the liberal and statesmanlike action of the Provisional Russian Government, Poland will appear again in international life and take her share with other nations, in working together for the common good of civilisation. Our efforts in the War will be directed towards helping Poland to realise her unity on the lines described in the Russian Proclamation, that is to say, under conditions which will make her strong and independent. We hope that after the War Great Britain will remain united to Poland in bonds of close friendship. [See OFFICIATE REPORT, 2nd May, 1917, col. 342, Vol. XCIII.]
§ Mr. DILLONMay I ask whether the Provisional Government in Russia, in issuing that Proclamation, and the British Government, in giving their assent to it, have inserted in that Proclamation any provision giving a veto on the independence of Poland to the large number of German residents in that country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not know that there is any such condition, but there is certainly no part of Poland where the conditions are the same as in the district of Ireland to which the hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEHow far is Poland from London?
§ 2. Commander WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information from 2555 Russia as to the wishes or intentions of the Provisional Government as to including in the conditions of peace the reuniting of Poland, including the territories of Posen and Cracow, in the free Poland of the future?
§ Lord R. CECILI have no information beyond the Proclamation issued by the Provisional Russian Government to the Poles.
§ Commander WEDGWOODHas the Noble Lord no information as to the attitude of the Workmen's and Soldiers' Union on this point?
§ Lord R. CECILI have no reason whatever to think that there is any difference of opinion among those in power in Russia on the subject.
§ Commander WEDGWOODOr the question of reuniting Poland?
§ Lord R. CECILI have no reason to suppose so.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTHas the Foreign Office entered into communication with any organisation in Russia besides the Provisional Government?
§ Lord R. CECILNo, of course not; but a question is to be answered later in the day by the Leader of the House.