HC Deb 11 August 1919 vol 119 c890
Colonel WEDGWOOD (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been called to the alleged arrest of 4,000 colonists in Buda Pesth; whether there is any truth in this allegation; and what steps the Government are taking to prevent the White Terror and also to protect the Jews in Hungary?

Mr. BONAR LAW

We have received no confirmation whatever of the statement in this question.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will inquiries be made by General Gordon as to whether there is any truth in this allegation? It has appeared in the Press, and it is certainly desirable that His Majesty's Government should express their feelings of hostility to any White Terror.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think it is reasonable to ask us to take action on a rumour unless there are some means of judging as to whether there is anything in it, but I may tell the hon. and gallant Gentleman that the Council in Paris have already taken the action they think best in view of the circumstances.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can it be described merely as a rumour when it is in all the papers this morning?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not imagine the hon. and gallant Gentleman, or any of us, thinks that that is a proof of its being a fact.

Mr. BILLING

Might not taking action in the matter lead to sending another Expeditionary Force?