HC Deb 12 August 1919 vol 119 cc1068-9
4. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to say if it was by the wish of the Danish Government that not only the plebiscite in Sloswig as far south as the Eider-Schlei line was abandoned, but also the German evacuation of that territory as previously arranged to ensure no interference with the plebiscite taking place in the first and second zones; whether he is aware of the statement made by a member of the Danish Cabinet on the 29th July last that the Danish Government had had no responsibility as regards the dropping of the plebiscite in the third zone; and whether he can say whether there is any foundation for the statement which has been published that the German evacuation of this zone was omitted from the Peace Treaty owing to a clerical error?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The German evacuation of the third zone was originally contemplated in connection with the plebiscite to be taken there. When the plebiscite to be taken there was abandoned, by the request of the Danish Government itself, the German evacuation was naturally abandoned as well. There is no foundation for the statement that the demand for the German evacuation was omitted owing to a clerical error.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Will the hon. Gentleman say on what date and through what channel the Danish Government asked for this provision to be dropped?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I think I could give that information on notice, but I am not quite sure.